Appliances & Kitchen Gadgets

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June 17, 2009 9:39 AM PDT

Barbecue with built-in skewers

by Thursday Bram
  • 1 comment

The BarbeSkew

(Credit: Drinkstuff)

Leave something on the grill just a little while longer than you should and you'll get the experience of trying to eat a charred mess. The BarbeSkew reduces the risk of burning dinner by incorporating a rotisserie system: you slide dinner on to seven skewers that then slip into the rotisserie right over the fire. From there, your dinner rotates, providing even cooking over charcoal or gas heat. Along with the skewers, the BarbeSkew comes with two cage skewers that also fit into the rotisserie system. The cages can hold sausages, burgers and other foods that don't cook particularly well--and your food will still get the benefits of cooking rotisserie-style. With the BarbeSkew, you'll also get a large chicken skewer.

The BarbeSkew rotates the rotisserie automatically: if you're planning to take the grill on a trip away from an electrical outlet, you'll need a few batteries. The grill is 48 inches tall, 58 inches long, and 25 inches wide. It is also available in a smaller model, the BarbeSkew II. That model doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the larger version--it comes with fewer skewers, for one thing--but it can be more practical for smaller events or taking the grill to another location.

May 13, 2009 1:36 PM PDT

iQue: Bragging rights for you, grilled meat for all

by Brian Krepshaw
  • 6 comments

Shiny and ready to grill.

(Credit: Blue Ember)

Sometimes it's OK to show off. Certainly everybody does from time to time. I may not be qualified to give reasoned speculation as to why we do this, but I certainly understand that it goes better with food. The Blue Ember iQue combines favorite grill features with an integrated computer for precision control and fun bragging points.

A touch-control onboard computer monitors time and temperature during the cooking process for easy grilling. Select your type of meat and desired level of doneness and the grill handles the rest. In tandem with the integrated temperature probe, the computer maintains the heat level and then automatically lowers it when food reaches the desired doneness. A sonar-based system keeps track of propane usage and displays the results in terms of remaining time.

The iQue can also operate without computer control. Other features are enough to satisfy any grill aficionado. An infrared rotisserie burner, a built-in smoker box, and a side burner all add to the versatility this grill can provide. It even comes with an ice bucket and a bottle opener.

If you're going to show off, you might as well make it tasty. Luckily, with the iQue and its 650 square inches of cooking surface, everybody gets to share in the appreciation of your shiny new grill. Appeasing the party with food definitely makes this one time when it's OK to brag.

(Via Appliancist)

May 11, 2009 11:15 AM PDT

Get your grill on with this foldable barbecue set

by Abbi Perets
  • 1 comment

With baby No. 5 due in July, nesting has kicked in big time here at my house. Everything we own is being scrutinized, and items past their prime are being unceremoniously kicked to the curb. Those that stay in the house must be organized. For me, this often translates to "put in baskets."

Magic Korb's BBQ in a box.

(Credit: Magic Korb)

So when I discovered these foldable buckets from Magic Korb, I was, frankly, a little giddy. These buckets have an accordion-like shape designed to let you collapse and easily store them. When you need it, grasp the two handles and expand it.

The buckets are pretty cool on its own--for homes that sometimes need extra laundry baskets or want an easy storage solution--but Magic Korb took it one step further. The company offers a variety of sets that conveniently rests on top of the MagicKorb inside custom inlays.

The barbecue set, for example, lets you pack your foodstuff inside the bucket. Then cover it with the inlay, which comes with a stainless steel fork, turner, tongs, knife, and a corkscrew with a bottle opener. Even if you're only going from the kitchen to the back yard, it's an easy way to carry and store everything; and if you're heading out for the day, you'll truly appreciate the set.

Couple this bucket with the picnic set, and you'll discover an inlay that holds four knives, forks, spoons, cups, and plates with plenty of room underneath for the rest of your picnic supplies.

Prices range from $20 to $60, and with a little searching, you will find the buckets online.

May 8, 2009 3:44 PM PDT

Expand your grilling menu

by Brian Krepshaw
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Safer than MacGyver.

(Credit: Williams-Sonoma)

It's amazing the difference a little piece of metal can make. Having the right tool for the job is always important, but sometimes there is no right tool for the job. Rather than MacGyver something up (which most likely will explode) with materials that are less than desirable, take a step closer and keep some handy tools by your side.

The Appetizer Grill Rack may not have a clear and defined purpose, but that's what makes it stand out among other culinary gadgets and appliances. Consider it a do-all tool. After all, when the grill is hot and fire is raging is probably when many of us get (not-always-so-bright) ideas about things to put on the grill. Ever wanted to hollow out a lemon, fill it with a crab mixture and set it upright on the grill? (Hmm...) Now you can find out if it works. Now you can stuff and fill most any small ingredient and pop it on the grill.

The grill rack does have some suggested uses, which are time-honored grill classics. With the grill rack, however, you can make grilled stuffed tomatoes, peppers, or mushrooms with ease. Versatility is the key to this accessory. Measuring 16-inches by 11-inches, and standing one inch high, the 18-well rack could be your secret weapon for unplanned grilling experiments this year.

May 4, 2009 4:55 PM PDT

Something for everybody with Weber Summit Grill

by Brian Krepshaw
  • 1 comment

All the grill you need.

(Credit: Williams-Sonoma)

Everybody loves a backyard barbecue get-together. Having fun with friends and family only gets better when a grill is involved, Besides the enjoyment of spending time with the people you care about, a backyard barbecue offers the rare opportunity for everybody to eat exactly what they want. If somebody wants chicken, they simply throw it on the grill. The same goes for those who want burgers, steaks, or veggie burgers. No other form of social food gathering offers quite the individuality that cooking with a grill can provide.

Weber takes things one step further by offering the versatile Summit S-470 Gas Grill. In addition to the four primary burners, a flush-mounted side burner is included. The ability to simmer a sauce on a dedicated burner may be appealing, but the grill offers such extras as a rotisserie unit, a sear burner (for open-lid cooking), and a smoker burner with box. The 468-square-inch grilling surface is rated at 48,800 BTU, allowing for plenty of room for everybody to cook up just what they want.

The range of cooking styles is complemented with some nice features. Illuminated knobs and an automated grill light guide your way if your grill session extends past dusk. Other amenities include a built-in thermometer, six tool holders, and a fuel gauge. Constructed of durable stainless-steel and cast-aluminum, the grill is sure to keep the party going (and the guests fed with whatever they want) for years to come.

April 18, 2009 7:24 PM PDT

Another excuse to play with your food

by Jennifer Lowell
  • 1 comment
(Credit: Uncrate)
Not that you needed another excuse to play with your food, but here's one anyway: this Barbecue Sword lets you spear your hot dogs at your next backyard bash.

Featuring a forked end to spear meat or veggies and a fun sword handle, the quirky cooking utensil gives you the chance to avenge your burger buddies or hot-dog honeys. Whether you decide to play a good guy or a bad guy at your barbecue, your guests will appreciate your flair for the dramatic. With your trusty weapon in hand, you can steal rations from the rich (or, in your case, the fridge) and give them to your poor and hungry guests, slaying the beasts growling in their tummies.

In case your acting skills aren't up to par, every sword comes with a musketeer mask.

April 14, 2009 4:41 PM PDT

Portable grill unfolds into a party

by Brian Krepshaw
  • 3 comments

Vroom, vroom, party starter.

(Credit: Chef's Catalog)

Like most guys, I like things that unfold into other things. If it assembles and disassembles into various parts and accessories, you got my attention. If those parts unfurl into a grill, then I'm sold. Unlatch it, unfold it, bend it this way then that, and you got yourself the means for a tailgate party anytime, anywhere.

The Picnic Time Portagrillo Portable Gas Grill features fold up legs and slide out trays that reveal to be a convenient grill. With 263 square inches of cooking real estate, the compact and easy-to-carry grill is the perfect accompaniment to tailgate parties and picnics. Using propane as the fuel further increases the convenience offered by this grill--no messy charcoal or lighter fluid to deal with. Best part (other than eating, of course), is that when it's cool, the handy Portagrillo folds and slides back up into an easy carry case.

Not too unlike the popular toy car robots sold by the same name (except I don't think you can grill with those), this grill transforms into a fun accessory for sunny days. While I certainly appreciate a grill that facilitates the ability to get my grill on, I think the concept could be taken further. Luckily for us, Picnic Time also produces a grill that carries beer.

April 13, 2009 5:15 PM PDT

Get your BBQ on with a portable infrared grill

by Brian Krepshaw
  • 1 comment

This grill goes to 11.

(Credit: Chef's Catalog)

Once upon a time, children, teenagers, and young adults alike carried around with them portable record players. The idea was to pack up your player along with some 45rpm records, head over to a friend's house, and you had an instant dance party. This was before my time, but I always held a certain appreciation for the portability this afforded. Of course, now we have MP3 players and portable speakers galore that have streamlined the whole portability of music into a whole other realm, but that original appreciation is still prevalent in other fun devices.

While this Solaire Infrared Portable BBQ Grill won't play any tunes (unlike this one), to me it is reminiscent in design of an old-school record player. Like the instant dance parties of old, this infrared grill lets you get your groove grill on in mere minutes. Infrared burners heat up more quickly than that of conventional grills, and deliver a more powerful punch. The 14,000 BTU burner on this model heats up in three minutes and cooks food at a 50 percent faster rate. Drippings are instantly vaporized as they hit the heated surface creating delicious smoke flavor with less flare-ups.

The option to choose infrared over traditional grills is a relatively new phenomenon with a key patent that expired in 2000 leading to the recent trend. With the capability to have high heat uniform cooking along with delicious grill flavor assures that you'll keep the party going well into night (or at least until the propane bottle runs out).

March 26, 2009 1:51 PM PDT

Get the grill going with a press of a button

by Brian Krepshaw
  • 1 comment

Just don't misplace the grill and you'll be set.

(Credit: Sur La Table)

As the weather changes and we all start to get a little warmer, barbecues across the nation are going to be wheeled out of their hibernation spots. Getting the grill together requires perhaps a little cleaning, finding a suitable location, and of course, collecting all the accessories. I am always down for a barbecue, but that doesn't necessarily mean I am always ready for one. I keep my charcoal in one area, lighter fluid in another, and my utensils are scattered all about. While some people may have their grilling act together a bit more, I would certainly benefit from owning the Weber Performer Grill.

Available in black, blue, or green, the updated kettle grill is a welcome sight for any grill aficionado. In addition to the large 363-square-inch cooking surface, a good-size thermoset worktable is integrated into the design. Complete with a wheeled steel cart with shelf, finding the perfect spot to set up for the coming months has never been easier.

The grill incorporates a host of features designed to keep all of your grilling needs in one place. Using what it calls a Touch-N-Go gas ignition system, Weber has included built-in support for easily starting grill sessions. Instead of using traditional lighter fluid, a propane bottle mounts underneath the table and makes starting a grill session as easy as pushing a button. In addition to the storage on the cart, a weather-protected bin is designed for year-round charcoal storage. With the table even having hooks for utensils, warming up for grilling season has never been easier as all of your grilling needs can now be stored in one place.

March 16, 2009 4:19 PM PDT

Grill Dome adds some headroom

by Brian Krepshaw
  • 1 comment

It's grillin' time!

(Credit: Grill Dome)

Spring has almost sprung, and soon we will all be spending a great deal more time outside. If it's finally time to replace your aged and rusted grill, maybe you should try something new this grilling season. The Grill Dome is a ceramic grill based on an Indian tandoor clay oven. It is available in three sizes, with the largest and newest Infinity Seriescoming out this month.

The new Infinity Grill Dome comes in a variety of colors including green, red, copper, and blue. While the option to match to any backyard decor is nice, the real allure of the Infinity line is large the size and third-generation ceramic technology. The Infinity Grill Domes measure 34 inches tall about 22 inches wide. The large grill size is 18 inches, and the medium model is 15 inches. The Infinity series is made with Terapex Ceramics, which is able to withstand higher temperatures.

The Grill Domes boast faster cooking times at high temperatures than normal cooking grilles can handle. At the same time, they use less charcoal than conventional grills and start in about five minutes. A variety of accessories are available, including the Double Decker Rack, which would be used for indirect cooking. Tables and a variety of stands are also available. Considering how much time you will be spending around grills in the coming weeks, the Grill Dome is certainly worth checking out.

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