We really like this 15-bar pump-driven espresso machine with durable stainless-steel boiler, that features 2 thermostats for separately controlling water and steam pressure. It also has a self-priming operation; accommodates E.S.E. pods and ground espresso. The adjustable swivel jet frother looks like it will whip up a nice latte, and the removable 35-ounce water tank is large enough to reduce trips to the faucet. Measures 7-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 11-1/8 inches; 1-year warranty At DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker
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Starting March 1, 2010, Thermador will expand its popular ONE, TWO, FREE discount offer to include any size Rangetop, or Masterpiece Series Cooktop, to give culinary enthusiasts even more ways to save as much as $6,373 on a professional-grade Thermador kitchen. The augmented promotion now gives participants the opportunity to receive any size Thermador Ventilation system for free, provided they purchase a qualified appliance package. The changes to the program, which was recently extended by Thermador through 2010, mean that consumers purchasing a 30-inch Thermador Rangetop or Cooktop, are also eligible to receive a free Thermador Emerald 6-program dishwasher provided they also purchase any Professional or Masterpiece Series Double or Triple Combination Oven. The previous ONE TWO, FREE offer covered only 36- and 48-inch Rangetops and Cooktops. Participants who add any Thermador Refrigerator or any two Freedom Columns to their cooking system also receive a free Thermador Ventilation system of any size, and may be able to realize additional savings by participating in their State Appliance Rebate program for ENERGY STAR qualified products. Details of the expanded 2010 ONE, TWO, FREE promotion: Purchase a Professional Series 36- or 48-inch Range, or any Rangetop, or any Masterpiece Series Cooktop, with an accompanying Professional or Masterpiece Double or Triple Oven and get a free Thermador Emerald Dishwasher. New for 2010, step-up to Thermador’s top-of-the-line Sapphire™ 6-program Dishwashers for an additional $500 or $750 (depending on model)
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The Kiwi Guard case protects that soft kiwi you’d like to eat later in the day, so when you open your lunch bag you don’t find kiwi grool. The case also features a green cutlery set to prepare and eat the kiwi whenever you want and wherever you end up. Via Random Good Stuff at Kiwi Guard
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We’ve been using this 12-Inch stainless steel fry pan with stainless steel lid from All Clad over the past week and love it. It features a 3-Ply bonded construction with aluminum core that distributes heat evenly, and they aren’t kidding. We’ve made eggs to fried catfish, and clean up is easy as long as you leave a little hot water in the pan. Our favorite part is how the 18/10 stainless steel interior will not react with food. At All Clad 12 Inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan with Lid
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The good news is that the US Government’s appliance rebate program has finally begun. The bad news is that you have a bit of footwork to do before you get it. Under the federal program, the rebates can go to buyers of new central air conditioners, room air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, furnaces, washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters with the Energy Star seal. Also, it doesn’t matter how old your clunker appliance is, it needn’t be in working order and, in some states, such as Arizona and Florida, you won’t even need to trade it in. The tricky part is that each state will run its program differently, deciding which of the possible products it will include in the program, when to start and stop offering rebates, the size of the rebates, and which residents will qualify. In Minnesota, for instance, only washers, dishwashers, freezers and refrigerators are covered. The refrigerator rebate is worth up to $100 in Nebraska, but no more than $50 in Georgia. The Alaskan program is limited to residents receiving disability payments from the state or federal government.
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Is this really the environmentally correct alternative? This idea was found at popsci.com : Clean Your Clothes with Plastic: Nylon beads sit in the outer of two nested drums. When both drums rotate, the absorbent beads fall through the mesh of the inner drum to tumble with your laundry, where they dislodge and trap dirt. After the wash cycle finishes, the outer drum stops moving and centripetal force pushes the beads back through the mesh into the outer drum, where they await your next mess. Xeros’s prototype washing machine uses 90 percent less water than ordinary models, which also eliminates energy-intensive spin cycles and dryer blasts. The machine replaces all but one tenth of the usual water and about one third of the usual detergent with 0.1-inch plastic beads, reusable for hundreds of washes.
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We’re always looking out for a really well reviewed rice cooker, and this Sanyo has the stars. This micro-computerized cooker makes up to 10 cups of cooked rice, and also functions as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, and steamer. We like multi-function appliances, and getting a bit of all of them into one is going to save counter space. It also has a nonstick inner pot, and 1-touch cooking options including a 24-hour timer. measuring cup, spatula, and manual with recipes are included with this rice cooker and steamer. At Sanyo ECJ-PX50S 5-Cup Micro-Computerized Pressure Rice Cooker and Steamer
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Ekokook’s entire layout has been well thought out with fresh vegetable storage, water conservation, container gardening, waste sorting, recycling, and composting in mind. Each bin does some green function including a built-in compost ready locker to ensure you’ll return the unused food back to mother earth. We also love the lines of the design with bright white and chartreuse green colors screaming modern and eco-friendly. If you combine the Ekokook with the Cornucopia food replicator of the future , we think you’ll have the best of the eco and future world’s of cooking. Via Gizmodo at Inhabitat
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Miele has announced that all of its dishwashers, clothes washers and refrigerators/freezers qualify for the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP). According to the Department of Energy, the stimulus bill will offer $300 million in rebates on Energy Star-qualified appliances in hopes that the program will further stimulate the economy by reducing energy bills. Miele’s entire Independence series is Energy Star-qualified, including the line’s refrigerators, which traditionally are one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home. The refrigerators use high-performance dual compressors, improved insulation and more precise temperature and defrost technology to boost efficiency. “Achieving a greener refrigerator that complied with Energy Star was a design goal when we developed the Independence Series,” stated Matthew Kueny, senior product manager for Miele. “Our proprietary technology and quality standards have helped us redefine just how much energy a refrigerator could save–far more than an average refrigerator–or even an average Energy Star model.” Going forward, Miele engineers are looking to develop technology that will enable appliances to work more intelligently with the emerging infrastructure of the Smart Grid. These advancements are intended to deliver further economic and environmental benefits to consumers.
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Vicera sent us a set of their ceramic Chef’s Knife, Santoku Knife, and Utility Knife to review over the past two weeks. We’ve been using these knives daily in our cooking, and compared to the Kyocera knives which we’ve been using - we simply like these knives better. They are dishwasher safe, and the white blade compared to the black ceramic blade of the Kyocera knives is much thinner and we think cuts a bit easier. We also like the handle on the Vicera knives a bit more as well - the texture on the handle makes it grippier. These knives are not cheap, but then again when is a great knife cheap? You’re going to pay on average $59-$99 for these ceramic knives, and these should be thought of - IN ADDITION TO - the knives you’re using.
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