Appliances

Double-barreled bread maker for perpetual bread

What could be better than the smell of a loaf of bread baking? The answer is as simple as it is obvious: the smell of two loaves of bread baking. Yet, in home kitchens everywhere, there is a major stumbling block hindering this wonderful and enticing experience. Alas, the bread machine can only handle one loaf at a time. The answer, again, is as simple as it is obvious: use two bread-making machines. Or just double down on one.

The Cooks Essentials Dual 1 lb. Bread Maker w/12 Programmed Settings ($99) is a double-barreled bread maker that can bake … Read more

Meet Spoutnik, the space-age microwave

America has fallen behind in the space race, folks. Oh sure, NASA may have little dune buggies rolling around up on Mars, but can Curiosity or Opportunity pop a bag of popcorn? Didn't think so. That makes it kind of hard to watch such outer-space classics such as "2001: A Space Odyssey" or "Spaceballs." There is only way to settle in with a bag of popcorn for a true sci-fi experience, and that is with a space-age microwave. And it's the U.K. that has it.

The Fagor Spoutnik is a microwave on its … Read more

Kohler's Bluetooth showerhead sprays songs

Do you like to listen to music while taking a shower? For me, doing so is a bit of a chore since I usually have to lug the speaker dock in from the bedroom, unplug the electric toothbrush from the outlet, and -- I know, I know, total first-world problems. Regardless, the whole setup process really soils the act of turning on tunes spontaneously.

Kohler recently announced Moxie, a showerhead that solves my problem by adding some useful tech: Bluetooth and a speaker. … Read more

Juicer saves room on the kitchen countertop for healthy promises

Contrary to common perception, New Year's resolutions do not actually start on January 1. The idea is instead created some time between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. Perhaps the inception happens while chowing down on the umpteenth turkey-and-cranberry sandwich or maybe the spark of the idea comes while staring at yet another plate of mashed potatoes and gravy. No matter when it starts, it is probably safe to say that the bulk of these New Year plans involve eating healthier. Or, as the case may be, drinking healthier.

The Cuisinart CJE-500 Compact Juice Extractor is a low-commitment … Read more

Kitchen countertop treat maker is for the dogs

Specialty countertop kitchen appliances have evolved at a spectacular rate. These clamshell contrivances that populate countertops everywhere have become common enough that they can produce everything from cupcakes to empanadas at a moment's notice. That's all fine and well for the humans in the family, but our four-legged friends want to get in on the action, too.

Fido can finally join in the fun with the Nostalgia Electrics DBM200 Dog Biscuit Treat Maker Kit ($29.99). The familiar shape of this appliance doesn't hide people food this time around, instead housing doggie delights sure to make our … Read more

KitchenAid toaster raises and lowers the bar (in a good way)

Toasters often get overlooked in the kitchen. Counter space, being the limited creature that it is, has room for only so many appliances. While this may bode well for strong multitaskers like toaster ovens, regular toasters often get left out in the cold. (Or at least left in the back of the cupboard.)

The KitchenAid Pro Line Toaster ($299) aims to elevate the once-grand appliance back out from under the counter. Sensing that there is only one direction to go but up, the toaster rises to new heights by incorporating a motorized lifting mechanism. Not afraid to dunk below the … Read more

Kenwood Cooking Chef now available in the U.S.

Way back in October 2009, I wrote about the Kenwood Cooking Chef. The device has finally made it to the U.S. What sort of gadget is this machine that has taken so long to grace our shores? Well, the answer appears to be more of what it isn't as opposed to what it is.

Combining a stand mixer with an induction plate, the multitasking appliance carves out a new niche on the countertop. By allowing chefs to cook directly in the work bowl, the Kenwood Cooking Chef offers a new way to operate in the kitchen.

The highly … Read more

Kitchen appliances come together to form a breakfast cube

The Princess Compact4All kitchen appliances (available this month) come together to form a "breakfast cube." Designed by Jan des Bouvrie for the Dutch firm Princess Household Appliances, the four countertop appliances each measures 20 centimeters cubed. (To American countertops, that would be 7.87 inches all around.) Composed of a juicer, a kettle, a toaster, and a coffeemaker, the modular set can be stacked together or moved about the kitchen just like any other appliance.

Sometimes finding the unexpected in a collection of appliances only involves putting them all together. In this case, the juicer hides a secret. … Read more

Concept refrigerator chills based on content

Over the last few decades, refrigerators haven't changed all that much in one key area -- shape. Sure, the hulking mass of steel keeps our perishables fresh while boasting improved efficiency and other bells and whistles, but it's still just a big block that takes up a considerable amount of space in the kitchen.

Concept products such as the Impress refrigerator by Massey University industrial design student Ben de la Roche of New Zealand could influence the way future iceboxes keep food and drinks cool. … Read more

Talking pressure cooker tells it like it is

Electric pressure cookers can handle a variety of tasks. Traditionally used to speed up cooking time by increasing pressure inside the cooking vessel, the modern varieties are capable of much more. While they will always be a popular option for kicking out a pot roast in a minimum amount of time, some models can also brown, steam, slow cook, and talk. Yes, talk.

The Technique 6.5-quart Oval Voice Guided Pressure Cooker ($119) can not only cook up a meal, but it can also talk one up, too. The multicooker features convenient and versatile cooking settings that include steaming and … Read more