| The Housewares & Hardware Guide – No Software, No Operating System, No Viruses, No Obsolescence, No Hassles; Goodies and Gadgets to Love Now and Far Into the Future By Steve Kruschen, The One and Only Mr. Gadget® ©2009 All Rights Reserved June 1, 2009 - This is my first installment of what is a work in progress. Job one is to populate this guide with a variety of useful information in time for the Dads 'n Grads season that is upon us. It has loads of housewares-related information and advice and little hardware info, so you have that to look forward to. I am confident you are going to like what you see as much as I love sharing with you the information about these products. Just imagine that we are together and you have asked to see my favorites in the areas covered below. I'd take out my samples and show & tell you about them, just as you see me do on TV and as you read in my hands-on reviews. What is unique about this guide and the products herein is that most are self-explanatory or close to it. Unlike complicated technology, these are simple and utilitarian. I've provided a little or a lot of an explanation along with a story if needed. In most instances, just go with what I always say - If I recommend something, you can be pretty darn sure that it is as advertised and that I really like it, have likely used it and, well, if it makes sense to you for your need or interest, just buy it! So many of these are quite affordable, to the extent that you could treat yourself with at least one a week or more and still not spend much money. Then, you will get to enjoy the unique and useful item for years and years to come. Most do not wear out EVER, and others are best at what they do and will last if not a lifetime, certainly enough years that you will have felt that you received good value for your dollar. Make sense? I hope so. You will have more fun and enjoyment with items contained in this guide than with any other recommendations I could make. Isn't that strange? Mr. Gadget NOT recommending something high tech and electronic? It's true. Just keep reading, start looking into these, start buying and using them and you will agree. Remember, you are NOT buying from me as I do not sell anything! And so, it begins . . . It's high time we seek more simplicity in our lives. These are easy to use, fun and useful products that may cost very little or not so little, but they are all wonderful and quality built just the same. For your kitchens and other areas around the house and outside, and for your cars, I give you Housewares & Hardware that have caught my attention. I've tried most of these personally. Many are Gadget Family favorites. Many will resonate with you or someone you know and become can't-do-without products, and that's the idea. Why should I get to have all the fun! These are to share. The best part of all is that they are durable and will not likely go out of style. There's really little that will wear out for a very long time. Unlike cars, computers, and so much of the technology in and around your home, office and in your car, buy these and enjoy using them, again and again, year after year. None will cause you to swear uncontrollably, necessitate a call to tech support that will keep you on hold forever, have you weeping in exasperation or think seriously about throwing it out a window or at the wall to smash it to smithereens. These may be high tech, but low, low, low on the scale of frustrating-to-even-try-to-use products. It's time to get back to getting your moneys worth, isn't it? There is no particular order to these items, but, where possible, I have tried to group things by manufacturer or type so expect a mix of products that may not seem to go together. NOTE that this is really too much for just one sitting. I wouldn't want you to suffer from sensory overload. Just imagine how I feel walking the floors at trade shows, seeing all that is on display and tucked away in secret places and in meeting rooms. Anyway, take your time. It's a process, you know. Bookmark this page if you like and you will be easily and conveniently able to refer to it as often as the mood strikes or the need arises. Also, as you visit this guide, be sure to check for newer versions at MrGadget.com that will supersede this original. It's going to get quite large, I am sure. As it grows, I will place links to topics and sections at the top of the page. If you have ideas to share for better organizing the info, I'd love to know about it. Email me with your thoughts to MrGadget at MrGadget dot com. Identify the products you like and then search locally and online for availability and best prices! THE HOUSEWARES GUIDE Vacuums and Related Get a Dyson, the best I've tested by far. If and when I find a better vacuum, I'll let you know. Expensive, yes, but SO worth the money! Stop shopping, buy a Dyson! The new Airmuscle DC28 Animal sure looks like a winner, but all models of their uprights will perform well. The longer you own and use a Dyson, the more you will see how valuable and ultimately inexpensive to own it is. Permanent filters that YOU clean and reuse. NO loss of suction, EVER, for unparalleled performance. Quality designed and engineered and quality construction means very low cost of ownership over many, many years of trouble free service. Mine have had a workout since I first tested a Dyson. That was more than six years ago. My original is still going strong and has never needed service nor failed in any way. I have never needed to put one penny into any Dyson for service and they do get a workout here! Countless viewers and readers have let me know they took my advice and love their Dyson vacuums more than they could have imagined. That makes me feel good and is a cue to you that you should join them. The fact is, there is only one Dyson, and imitators are no more than a poor imitation of the real deal, though they keep trying. In the cordless end of the business, I have two favorites - Hoover Platinum Collection Cordless Stick Vac and the companion Cordless Handheld. Read al about my experience and recommendation at the link in the previous sentence. These are really special products, though not inexpensive. With their six-year warranty (two on the battery), they mean business and are the only battery-operated products in this category that perform as if they were plugged in. Batteries last over ten minutes per charge. For your sealed hardwood and linoleum floors, I recommend and use the Haan FS-20 Steam Cleaning Floor Sanitizer. Read my review. Kitchen Knives, Sharpeners and More Spotlight on EdgeCraft - Another gift that keeps giving throughout generations that follow is a set of or individual kitchen knives. I use and recommend Chef'sChoice as my number one choice. They are not inexpensive, but they will become heirlooms to pass along to generations yet to come. First, visit the Edgecraft main page where you will see all their product categories. You may not know their name, but their products are of legendary quality and longevity. The Trizor cutlery is where you want to start. If knives are your objective, I think you can't do better for the money. Once good quality knives are in someone's home, they have to be maintained. It is simply NOT true that a knife can remain razor or even usably sharp without maintenance. Science is against it. The idiot-proof best way to sharpen knives (the way I sharpen my good knives) is with one of the Chef'sChoice electric sharpeners from EdgeCraft, which you will also see at the main company link above. This is also the most economical and convenient way to maintain a keen edge on these or almost any knives. Either the Model 120 or Model 130 is best. My recommendation for most versatility for the greatest number of users is the Model 130 to get the knives shaving sharp and honed and then use the Model 470 Steel Pro for touch ups to keep them that way. Occasionally, you will need to run your oft-used knives though the electric sharpener and not rely on the Steel Pro all the time. This device is only used for keeping sharp knives sharp, topping them up, as it were. Look for links on the company front page that package gifts for such occasions as Father’s Day and Holiday Gifts. Now, EdgeCraft has done it again, with the introduction of their new Model 1520 sharpener. Read my review! Now, in one product, users can sharpen and hone with the Asian 15º angle as well as the European/American 20º angle. I like having the choice and many of you will, too. I've converted some of my blades to 15º for slicing and precision that is different from what I experience with 20º bevels. This is the model for those with a knife fetish (like me!), who want the best of both angles, with some cutlery sharpened on each setting. EdgeCraft also presents the new Chef'sChoice Model 464 Pronto manual two-stage "Criss-Cross™" sharpener. It is ideal for pocket and fishing knives and for camping as well as for your not-the-best knives. If one of the company's outstanding electric sharpeners is out of the budget range, then the 464 should do a better job than most other manual sharpeners available. It's for those who also favor ultimate convenience over the precision of EdgeCraft Chef'sChoice electric sharpeners. I know what you are thinking - with all these choices in sharpeners, which is best for ME??? My answer is this - you cannot go wrong starting with the Model 120 and the Model 470 Steel Pro if you know nothing or care not about knives other than a wish that they be made sharp and are maintained as sharp as possible. From there, knife aficionados should look to the others. Still undecided? Call or write the company. They will be happy to offer a recommendation. If you are looking to save money in big families, consider your own electric slicer. Buy cheese and meat in bulk and slice and re-pack it yourself. OR, use the slicer as pure convenience for daily use and parties. Nothing mows though slicing jobs on cheeses and meats like one of these. You've seen them in the deli, and you can get one for the home. Use one of Chef'sChoice electric slicers for the job. Their knives and other products are also perfect gifts for weddings and for anyone who moves into new digs. These other goodies will include such top-quality Chef'sChoice standout products as their fabulous egg cooker, waffle maker, French press coffee maker, cordless teakettle, Belgian waffle maker, and so much more you never knew about from such an excellent company. I am certain most of you had never heard of Chef'sChoice before I presented it here. I am equally certain you will not be disappointed with anything purchased that is from this company. They are a US company like no other in its field. Everything they make is unique, simply wonderful and highly recommended. Explore the manufacturer's Website and know that no one returns a Chef'sChoice product because they're made for keeps! They are all that good. If your budget for cutlery is lower, get Mundial cutlery, which I wrote about here. Mundial also makes excellent scissors and shears I have tried and with which I am very pleased. What a pleasant surprise! For years (probably like you) I had been lulled into complacency with so-so scissors from retailers such as Costco. Get the multi-pack of whatever brand of scissors was on the shelf. But, no, this is not the way to go. I asked to have a look at some the Mundial scissors. As I expected, these were of superior quality. When I learned that prices are from under $10 to only about $20 for lifetime quality, well, this becomes an easy decision. I searched through Google for some of the scissors and while they may not be easily found at retail stores, you will not have a problem finding the type and model you want online. Small & Useful Kitchen Gadgets GENERAL NOTE ON SILICONE - I LOVE SILICONE COOKWARE AND GADGETS!! BEWARE of poor quality silicone, that is, silicone that is either too thin or of inferior quality for many reasons that can include silicone manufactured with fillers. I will only recommend silicone products I believe to be of outstanding quality in every way. Silicone squishes and nests well without damaging other items, is an inert product that has been found to be safe to humans! Isn't that a relief? Silicone shows little to no wear as it is used and can often go from freezer to microwave or conventional oven (some up to 600º). Silicone cleans well and easily, too, and it does not discolor or absorb flavors from food. It's very cool material! Jar Pop and related - another great find from years ago is a household essential called Jar Pop, less than $5. Never struggle with a vacuum-sealed jar lid on jam, pickles, you name it. Everyone and anyone, especially anyone with mobility struggles in the hands should have at least one in a kitchen drawer. Yes, EVERYONE. I am proud to be featured on their packaging with my endorsement and recommendation. Lots of other great products are also from http://www.springmillcorp.com/. Get a Jar Pop for everyone on your gift list. They WILL thank you! Penguin EZ Pull wine bottle opener - This is among the best at what it does. Not much of an explanation is required. For any wine lover, this nearly effortless extractor is sure to be appreciated and it's so much fun to use. Unlike anything else on the planet that I know of, this (starts at) $50 gift will have its recipient think of you and thank you with every bottle opened. This is sure to be a hot gift item for many years to come. Read my review. Spotlight on Zyliss - Here is a company loaded with useful kitchen helpers. http://www.zylissusa.com/. Take a deep breath and . . . now all in one breath . . . Favorite gadgets include (locking) Cooking Tongs, (unique) Baster, Angled Turner, Flexible Turner, Corn Holders, Ice Cream Scoop, Silicone Basting Brush and Silicone Spoons & Spatulas, Peelers, including Multipeeler Electric Peeler, Mix-n-measure set with lid, Measuring spoons, Multi-Purpose Shears (my favorite inexpensive shears that also comes apart for thorough cleaning, for poultry and veggies, flowers and more), Pizza Wheel, inexpensive (and ultimately disposable) Paring Knife, Zester and Fresh Cut Salad Knife AND more! Don't forget to see their classic Cheese Graters, used in homes and restaurants worldwide. These are the ones you want! There is a NEW apple & potato cutter with ergo handles to see this summer, but not yet, a new tomato & egg slicer and a new cheese knife with extended, pronged tip, a serrated blade and even an inner serrated cheese slicer not to miss. Also set for summer intro is an innovative cake slicer & server all-in-one design with a sliding mechanism that lifts and serves forward the slice of cake on the wedge-shaped cutter – You can have your cake and eat it, too! And don't miss their Safe Edge Can Opener that we use almost daily. Explore their site and look for their products in retailers and online. Don't miss their recipe archive! Click on the "Where To Buy" link on their Website to more easily find products of interest. Now, really, isn't there a wonderful assortment of necessities just as I promised, and from just ONE company! Another hot-off-the-presses addition to the line is the Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker. Think mortar & pestle in a shakeable, enclosed plastic device. Read my review! Spotlight on Microplane - Microplane makes the best of kitchen tools that grate, and there are so many. Classic Series, Gourmet Series, their wonderful 4-sided Box Grater, and their many Specialty products. Explore! It's all good. Now, have a look at their Foot Files. Yes, they really work and WILL NOT CUT anything but the hard calluses. Your soft skin stays soft and untouched. Spotlight on FoldTuk - Funny name for great products I'll bet you don't know about but should. FoldTuk produces unusual and useful, unique foldable, collapsible silicone and ceramic bakeware like no one else's. Read more here. First of all, it collapses for easy storage. It's unique composition allows it to be used "in conventional, convection, infrared, and microwave ovens due to its Green and petroleum free Ceramber material that is much more than silicone. It is airtight, stackable, dishwasher safe, and naturally nonstick (No non-stick coating applied), making it your most functional bakeware and cold storage container." See, like no other! I know the facts might read like copy for an infomercial, but it is true. Bake in the oven, cook in the microwave, serve in it and then pack leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Then do the easy cleanup, collapse it, nest other pieces and store it away in less space than with breakable products. Their new Collapsible Roaster found at this year's Houseware Show is spectacular in its design and usefulness. You'll want these products AND I am supremely confident you will love them and that they will last and last! Spotlight on Chef's Planet - Another purveyor of outstanding and unique kitchen products you'll love and use for years and years. You just can't go wrong with anything from Chef's Planet! So useful, so unique, one-of-a-kind contemporary designs, so much fun and NOT expensive. You'll want most of their entire catalog of products. Small company, great products all their own. Of special note are: preptaxi food scoops, nutcracker, potato masher, citrus juicer, whisk (absolutely a must!), preptaxi measuring scoops, grill & bbq mat, mortar and pestle, universal nonstick bakeliner, multipurpose nonstick kitchen mat, nonstick ovenliners. Spotlight on Magic Slice and Magic Dough - Another company with useful must-have reliable and unique products for the kitchen, Magic Slice produces thin, bendable non-slip cutting boards AND non-slip bottom, non-stick top surface, thin and bendable pastry mats useful to anyone who bakes. Starting with the MagicSlice cutting boards, you will see a wide variety of sizes, patterns, colors and designs, including some with the look of fine art. How handy would it be to have such a surface on which to cut and then bend to off load the contents into a bowl? Perfect for veggies and salad prep! Really useful products, right? They are long lasting and durable and, with care, will last and last. Buy in bundles to share! Look at all the patterns and designs and choose what makes you feel good. Obviously, great as gifts, too. Go ahead and try them. You'll like them! Look to the right of the Website home page and click the link to see them in action. The Magic Dough Pastry Mat is also useful and unique. What cannot be seen even from their online picture is the detail of guide-type information on the matt that is useful to bakers. There are round, measured guides in different sized for making tortillas, pie or tart crusts. There are handy English and Metric measures along the right and left sides. The top surface easily releases dough AND the product has antibacterial properties built in! Again, useful and unique, every one! Buy direct from the Website or shop on your own. See the other useful ideas they have for this material on their Website. Spotlight on Mastrad - Here's a name you probably don't know, but you probably do know at least one of their products, ORKA silicone oven mitt. Go ahead and browse their catalog of products with lots of quality silicone products. I know you will see lots of things of interest. Some of my favorites include multi-level steam cooker, silicone steamers for preparing veggies and the protein all in one covered container for microwave and oven use. Their Express Corkscrew Set looks and is likely the same as my favorite Penguin EZ Pull featured in this guide and also about the same price, $50. See their silicone potholders and aprons. Suction Pods let you hang mitts and things almost anywhere on a smooth surface. Browse their prep tools and gadgets. Check out their cool utensils - especially the standing baster, spoon rest, and scraper. Spotlight on Silicone Zone - this is the Mother Lode of quality silicone products. Sit back, relax and gaze upon all this goodness! You're on your own here. Explore. If you don't try some of these, you are missing an opportunity to experience some of the best of silicone, not the only silicone, but definitely among the finest. DO check out the recipes. Do look at where you can buy their products. Here are silicone advantages. Here is their silicone difference. Spotlight on iSi - Who? This company is celebrating more than 30 years of excellence. Best known, perhaps, for their industry-leading cream whippers and siphons, iSi is also a leader in other areas of kitchen essentials of the highest quality. The company's Flex~It Flexible Silicone Bowls make so much sense! Silicone scrapers are perfect kitchen tools you'll use again and again. Very smart! On that same page are new high-quality cooking tongs that come apart for easy and thorough cleaning. They were a hit in the Housewares Show demo. Unique and useful spatula designs you'll like are on this page. You'll also like their spoon spatulas. But wait, there's MORE! See MORE innovative potholders, tongs and the incomparable Grip It, and still MORE innovations in kitchen utensils and grilling gadgets. Buy from the iSi store online or, well, you know where to search. Spotlight on Trudeau - Here is another wealth of great gadgets, well designed and thoroughly thought out, plus small countertop cooking appliances. They are also the maker of my favorite Trudeau Graviti and Elite Graviti battery-operated salt and pepper mills, reviewed here. Turn them over and they begin to grind and dispense out the top that is now pointed down over the object of the salt or pepper. Then, turned upright again and put down on the counter or table, there is NO mess underneath as with most other mills that dispense out the bottom. Bad design! These are great. They make hundreds of good and worthwhile gadgets, but their Website is not the easiest to navigate and to explore. Pity! So, take my advice, please, and do take the time to nose around on your own, stopping to click and learn along the way. Click the Products pull-down at the top left and also the links under Gift Ideas on the right at mid-page. Page after page of goodness. You will have fun looking around and finding useful, interesting and unusual, as well as unique items from Trudeau. More Spice Mills from Spice Ratchet - Manual spice mills for salt, pepper, herbs, candy toppings and more, left to your imagination. These are inexpensive (about $10) and of high quality with a very long warranty. I suggest buying several and using to their fullest! Read my review. Spotlight on Bodum - Here is the company best known for delicate-looking double-wall glassware, unique in every way. Have a look at their coffee and tea collection. Now, look at the rest of their products that are surprisingly inexpensive for such style and usefulness. I cannot recommend Bodum products more highly! Get the BPA-free Thermos Intak Hydration Bottle - Read my review. Learn about the NEW Contigo AUTOSEAL Stainless Steel No-Spill No-Leak Mug that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Read my review. Fit & Fold makes fitted sheets easier to fold and to put on the bed. Yes, it's true! Read my review. Get RealSalt, Mined Sea Salt from Utah, pure and simple, delicious and healthful. Read my review. Santa Maria Bar-B-Que Salt - yes, it's a FOOD! My favorite seasoning and barbeque salt, introduced to me in the 1970s, is back and as good as I remember it. It even looks exactly the same. From Santa Maria, CA, the home of the famous Santa Maria-style Barbeque, this is the original recipe that is as delicious as it is unmistakable and distinctive. Use it on meat and chicken, eggs, salads, cottage cheese, in dips, mixed with butter and fresh garlic to make spectacular and scrumptious garlic bread and in many other ways. I love this stuff. You will, too. Click the link to read about it. Buy it by the case because everyone will love it and you will be the hero for providing it as a different kind of gift. Your gift recipient will thank you and think of you every time this unique blend is used. Mmmmmm, that's great eatin'! NOT in stores! Also on the topic of edibles, salt to be exact, have you tried Bacon Salt? It's a new hit. For now, I can only tell you the products have received rave reviews. I'll give my personal take once I've tried them, but do check out Bacon Salt! By the way, it's kosher! WowBacon Microwave Cooker for great, no-mess microwave bacon. Read my review. The unusual COLD brew coffee system called HourGlass works without electricity and produces delicious, low-acid coffee. Read my review. The most interesting and unusual safe-to-use INDOOR turkey fryer is coming soon. I sampled the most excellent turkey (and all the Thanksgiving trimmings) in recent memory from one of these at the Housewares Show. Can you imagine, a safe indoor turkey fryer? It's so good that none other than Butterball for the first time has given its stamp of approval, recommendation and licensed its name to be placed on the product. The Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer is safe to use indoors. It can fry turkeys up to 14 pounds - enough for up to eight to 10 people - using one-third less oil than conventional turkey fryers. Butterball is getting ready for a big introduction well in advance of Thanksgiving. Besides, why not enjoy turkey throughout the year? It's pretty inexpensive and delicious. The Butterball indoor electric turkey fryer made by Masterbuilt will be available in September for only $120! Get turkey-frying facts from Butterball, the experts in turkey-speak! The same product can also be used for other cooking and steaming duties. More details will be available when the product is on the market. Excited? Maybe now you'll try a fried turkey! Much more to come . . . THE HARDWARE GUIDE The $100 Kitchen Spruce Up with Rack It Up! Pot Racks. Read my review. For about $100, upgrade your kitchen with a 1.0 HP Waste King garbage disposer that carries a LIFETIME in-home warranty. You cannot lose. Do not make the mistake of buying another brand! Read my review. Also learn about the company's Quick & Hot hot water dispenser for your kitchen sink or bar. Mr. Gadget Does Toilets - Make that toilet. In November of 2007, I reported on a toilet and bidet seat evaluation on a pair of Kohler products. What I found was, I think, an example of the ideal residential toilet and a pretty spiffy and fancy seat. Click to read my last report from April of 2008. It's still relevant, still an awesome, perfect toilet and bidet seat. Especially the toilet should be of interest to anyone thinking of even the possibility of investigating a new toilet. The news is this. To this day, nearly two years after installation, the Kohler in my report has not failed to delight every user and has NEVER required service or even plunging. Please read my report! Much more to come . . . |
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