Opportunities

Dualit 4 Slice Toaster Review: A Beautiful Chrome Toaster Full Of Surprise

Engineered in England and hand-assembled to the last detail, the Dualit 4-slice toaster is that ideal accomplishment–a hardworking kitchen appliance with an elegant presence. Its curvy retro shape is undeniably handsome and its structural components withstand the rigors of a high-octane kitchen. In fact, the toaster can output up to 130 slices per hour, should the entire neighborhood ever depend on you for breakfast or tea.

The key to Dualit’s exceptionally even browning is the toaster’s system of patented ProHeat elements, a series of flat bars behind a smooth, transparent coating. The result is an efficient, durable design, suitable for everything from brioche to sandwiches. The elements are encased by a rugged, stainless-steel housing Dualit 4 Slice Toaster that you may not even recognize as a relative of its lightweight, plasticky peers. Each slot measures 28 mm wide and is extra deep to allow for the use of the Dualit sandwich cage (sold separately). One adjustable leg accommodates uneven surfaces and rubberized feet protect your countertop.

The Dualit toaster has manually operated functions and is designed for people who like to engage with their appliances. Operation is simple but rewarding. A rocker switch selects 2- or 4-slice toasting, and a 4-minute timer knob lets you fine-tune browning time. Instead of a pop-up function that can prematurely cool toast, the unit comes with an ejector knob that you raise when you’re ready for it. For smaller households or busy kitchens, Dualit also makes 2- and 3-slice models.

Shun Knife Set Review: Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Set With Bamboo Block

Shun knives are made from VG-10 stainless steel, specially constructed to be harder, less brittle, but also more flexible than traditional steel formulations. The VG-10 core is then clad with 16 full layers of high-carbon stainless steel on each side, for a grand total of 33 layers. These layers not only protect the VG-10, they create an exquisitely-detailed surface reminiscent of Damascus or pattern-forged steel, the kind once used for Samurai swords. As a result, these knives are simply stunning to look at–much like antique Damascus knives but without their tendency to rust. As an additional benefit, the slight patterning helps slice rather than crush delicate foods and keeps cut food from sticking to the blade.

Like many Asian-style knives, these feature handles that are especially suited to smaller users. In contrast to the traditional round profile, however, Shun’s are D-shaped to prevent the knife from twisting in the hand, Shun Knife Set providing extra stability and a firm grip. The handles are made from ebony-colored Pakkawood, a fused blend of hardwood veneers imbued with waterproof resin that combines the warmth and traditional look and feel of wood with the strength and durability of plastic. The offset stainless steel bolster is designed for ergonomic comfort and maximum safety, while a stainless steel end cap provides the finishing touch. As sturdy as they are lovely, these knives are officially safe to put in the dishwasher–although they’re so good-looking you might find yourself hard-pressed to do so. Shun knives are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

Panasonic Inverter Microwave Review: A Stainless Steel Victory In Engineering

With a 1-3/5-cubic-foot capacity and 1250 watts of power, this full-sized Panasonic inverter microwave oven provides quick and easy meal preparation. The unit’s automatic 15-inch turntable ensures even heating, while its one-touch sensor cooking adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times automatically, making reheating and cooking a variety of foods easier than ever. A pulsing delivery of very low microwave power keeps food temperature at a constant level–without overcooking; the improved keep-warm menu now includes five items, so foods like stew, gravy, and desserts remain warm in the oven until they’re ready to be served.

In addition, the Panasonic microwave’s menu-action screen adds to the overall convenience. It scrolls step-by-step cooking instructions across the display in English, Spanish, or French, while the function key simplifies the programming of 10 useful, non-cooking functions. Just press the function key and the menu-action screen will display the steps necessary to complete the desired function. Other Panasonic highlights include Inverter Turbo Defrost for thorough defrosting, a push-button control panel, 10 power levels, five multi-stage cooking options, and more/less control, as well as a popcorn key, Quick Minute, delay start, a timer, and auto reheat.

Presto Popcorn Popper: Crispy Popcorn In Minutes

Ideal for everything from a healthy mid-day snack to a delicious treat during movie night with friends, the Presto Popcorn Popper prepares hot, crispy popcorn in minutes. Simply add one full scoop, using the included measuring cup, place a large-size bowl (not included) under the spout, and turn it on. The unit leaves behind virtually no unpopped kernels, and its angled see-through chute does a good job of directing popped corn into the bowl.

Because it works with hot air instead of oil, there’s not the high fat or oil content to worry about. That said, there’s no reason the popcorn can’t be doctored up with seasoned salt, brewer’s yeast, spritzes of soy sauce, or other toppings, including the classic favorite of salt and melted butter. In fact, the measuring cup, which sits in the lid, doubles as a butter melter.

Just add the desired amount of butter or margarine (the heat from the popping process will gently melt it) and drizzle over the popped popcorn.With its easy-to-clean design and small footprint

Mesh Wire Fire Pit Screen

Great for burning wood, charcoal, and artificial logs, heavy duty steel construction on this fire bowl ensures optimal corrosion resistance and durability. A full 360-degree view of fire lets you circle the chairs for everyone to enjoy the flicker and crackle and warmth of the cozy open flame. A fine wire mesh spark screen protects clothing and outdoor furniture. A heavy duty log grate supports plenty of logs, and a handy fire tool makes it easy to stoke.

Its steel base and legs are painted black with high temperature paint to withstand the heat exposure for years to come. A fine wire mesh spark screen with handle makes adding logs a snap. The pit measures 29 inches in diameter and is 24 inches high mounted on its stand. For burning wood, charcoal and artificial logs. 360 degree view of fire. Features a fine wire fire pit screen and ift-off spark screen. Includes log grate and fiire tool. The ornate cast iron base is painted black.

Lasko Heaters with Adjustable Thermostat

Perfect for those chilly days in the home or at the office, the Lasko Heaters features easy manual controls, three settings, and an adjustable thermostat for personalized comfort. Wait for the heater to warm up before turning the thermostat knob from low to high. The second control knob allows for selecting a 1500-watt high setting (5118 BTUs), a 900-watt low setting (3070 BTUs), and a fan-only option, which produces general, no-heat air circulation.

Other highlights include a self-regulating ceramic element, quiet operation, and automatic overheat protection for safety. The unit’s smaller size ensures effective, consistent heating without getting in the way, while its convenient carrying handle makes it simple to transport from the floor to the table or room to room.

The heater grill can be cleaned with the vacuum brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner, which will remove lint and dirt from the inside of the heater. Clean the body of the heater with a soft cloth as needed.

Cuisinart Grind And Brew: Fresh As The Neighborhood Coffee Shop

When the aroma of freshly brewed coffee–from freshly ground beans–wafts into your bedroom in the morning, you won’t need your alarm clock. Preset this coffeemaker for your desired wake-up time, add coffee beans to the grinder, and in the morning the beans are ground to a medium grind and hot coffee awaits in the 10-cup stainless steel, double-wall insulated thermal carafe. You can also program the Cuisinart DGB-550BK Grind-and-Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker to start brewing at the end of a dinner party to avoid having to get up from the table, or to have hot coffee waiting after a brisk winter walk.

The Cuisinart Grind And Brew Coffeemaker automatically grinds the beans right before brewing to produce a fresh and flavorful pot of coffee. Fully programmable with a stainless finish, this deluxe 12 cup coffeemaker will be right at home in any modern kitchen!

The included 60-ounce stainless carafe offers an ergonomic handle, knuckle guard, and dripless pour spout for graceful serving. Other highlights include adjustable auto shutoff for up to four hours, a grind-off option, a charcoal water filter to remove impurities, and a separate grinder chamber and filter area to ensure simple cleanup. Housed in elegant Italian styling.

Brita Water Pitcher: Filtration System Reduces Harmful Contaminants

The Brita Water Pitcher turns ordinary water into healthier, great-tasting drinking water without costing a fortune and without the waste of bottled water. With Brita’s advanced filtration process, you can enjoy water that’s free of harmful substances and unappealing chlorine taste. Despite its slim profile, this smartly designed pitcher has capacity of 48 ounces, making it perfect for the whole family.

With the Aqualux Water Pitcher, you and your family can enjoy clean, better-tasting water straight from the tap. The pitcher’s included Ion Exchange Resin filter acts as a magnet for impurities that are often found in tap water, such as lead, copper, mercury, cadmium, and zinc. The filter removes these impurities, reducing their potentially harmful effects. The filtering process also reduces that taste and odor of chlorine, thanks to a special sponge-like filtration system.

The end result is clean, better tasting water that is healthier for everyone. This is especially good news for children and pregnant or nursing women who are more susceptible to potential harm from lead and other impurities. Filters should be changed every 40 gallons or two months and are not intended for use with microbiologically unsafe water.