Appliances

Coffee might not be essential to life (although the jury is still out on that one), but it does show up every day of the week. The ubiquitous brown beverage that supplies a caffeinated jolt to imbibers can be enjoyed seemingly in a million different ways. However, before the cream and the sugar quandary comes up, how to brew it must first be addressed.

The Hamilton Beach (Model 49983) Two-Way Deluxe Coffeemaker ($99.99; available in August) is actually even more versatile than the name would imply. While true that the coffeemaker is designed to brew into either a travel … Read more

The inside of a vacuum cleaner is no place to be. Luckily, most of us will never have to endure such a place. The detritus we create in daily living, however, is another story. Not only do we want dust, dirt, and pet hair to be subjected to the internal whirlwind of a vacuum cleaner, we want it to stay there. At least until it's time to empty the bin.

Emptying the bin may be the last step in the journey for particulate matter, but other side of the story is just beginning. The bagless technology that Dyson uses … Read more

Sooner or later, every object in existence, including you and me, will be re-created out of Legos.

Fans of the bricks have limitless passion. But beyond creating cool dioramas, Lego modelers truly impress when they make functional tools.

Case in point: the Hippmikser 2000 by Flickr user Hippotam, whose real name is Marcin Danielak.… Read more

The search for pizza never ends. But unlike other quests, hunting for the perfect slice is not fraught with peril and possible despair; instead the path is lined with deliciousness. Occasionally, a truly unremarkable specimen may foil us, but the possibility for the restoration of hope is always only but a bite away. With so many trials and tribulations along the way, a clear picture of common pitfalls starts to emerge. No, it's not what is in clear view on top of the pizza, but rather, what lurks underneath. Pizza is all about the crust.

If the crust fails … Read more

For many, the first kitchen appliance of the day is the coffeemaker. But that's not the only drink-dispensing machine in town these days. Sure, there are tea makers that are dedicated standalone devices as well as those that are integrated into standard coffee makers, but there is another beverage trying to muscle in on the kitchen countertop scene. Time to make room for soda (or, depending where you live, pop, tonic, or soft drinks, etc.).

The Sprizzi Drink Machine aims to define a new generation of everyday beverage dispensers. Currently a Kickstarter project, the device ups the ante by … Read more

Kitchen showrooms are full of massive, shiny appliances meant to be strewn liberally about in a large kitchen. Most of the world, though, doesn't have that kind of space to spare for ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, kitchen islands, stovetops, and the like. The Clei Ecooking kitchen minds its manners and limits itself to a very compact space.

The Ecooking station is sleek, modern, and modular. It was created by Italian designer Massimo Facchinetti for Clei, a company specializing in transformable furniture. The company's creations are intended to make the most of small spaces like apartments and lofts.… Read more

You know the toaster oven: it gives forth deliciousness every day. The familiarity afforded by the device invites versatility; as food cooks inside, a glance or two may lead to inspiration. The blank canvas that is a slice of toast or a bagel practically begs for additional ingredients to be piled on. Sooner or later, it's going to happen; all that is needed is to get to the food.

The Hamilton Beach 31334 Easy-Reach 4-Slice Toaster Oven ($49.99) makes it easy to access whatever happens to be on the menu. With bake, broil, and toast settings, the countertop … Read more

Cooking starts with heat. Everybody knows that; it is the way in which that heat is applied to food where things get complicated. This, of course, is a good thing. The range of modern cuisine is so widely varied, thanks in great part to all the different cooking methods that are readily available at one's fingertips. With a press of a button or a twist of a dial, meals can be created that range from instantly recognizable to outlandishly strange. Sometimes, even with the same appliance.

From minestrone soup to a good old-fashioned fish fry, the Deni 9135 five-quart Multi Cooker … Read more

The toaster has an iconic design. For simply being a rectangular box with rounded corners, the kitchen appliance is still instantly recognizable for what it is. However, regardless of the ubiquitous nature of the toaster -- or perhaps because of it -- it is clear that the stainless-steel commonality of the past is in danger of fading away.

The Kalorik 2-Slice Glass Panel Long Slot Toaster ($99.95) gives kitchen countertops everywhere a clear view into the future of toasting. Featuring a clear glass side that allows for full viewing of the toasting action, the toaster offers insight into what'… Read more