Archive for June, 2008
Toaster combos appear to be the latest craze in kitchen appliances at the moment. We’ve already seen the microwave/toaster combo, kettle/toaster combo and the toaster/egg poacher amalgamation. Unsatisfied with leaving the toaster to stand alone, these manufactures can’t seem to stop pairing the toaster with some kind of other kitchen appliance. This time you’re being offered the chance to make a brew while your toast is… err, toasting away.
This latest pairing combines a two-slot toaster with a five-cup drip coffee maker. Unlike the microwave/toaster, this Breakfast Set from Team Appliances features the greatly needed removable crumb tray. It also boasts a reusable filter and automatic shut off on the coffee maker - for those rushed mornings.
Spare a thought for the poor old toaster though, cast aside in favour of a more modern appliance. Could these hybrid toasters put an end of the traditional toaster as we know it?
Price $50 at Team appliances
While those of us here in America puff our chests out each time we waltz by that LCD-equipped centralpark Connection refrigerator, folks in the UK can get extra prideful courtesy of John Lewis. Although the integrated coffee machine, electric oven, steam oven and 19-inch HD-ready LCD TV can all be purchased separately, they’re being (smartly) marketed together to create the “ultimate kitchen combo.” The whole shebang will run you £2,246 ($4,363), and not surprisingly, it’s the £699 ($1,358) tele that’s likely to bring in the most profit. Meat-heads will agree to anything with pixels though, right?
Sunbeam Kitchen Assistant 18 piece set offers power and versatility in a small package; features a 220W motor in metallic silver with chrome accents. Great for jobs too small for a food processor. Mince, chop, mix, puree, grind, grate and store. Includes: 2 large mixing chambers, 6 small mixing chambers, 1 blade assembly, 6 storage lids, 2 shaker/sifter lids, and 1 base (motor).
Features
- Dimensions: 9.1×12.3×10.1-in.
- Weight: 5-lbs.
- Volts/Watts: 220 Watts
- Origin: China
- Material: Steel & Plastic
It looks like those that enjoy a little remote control over their coffee could be unwittingly leaving both their PCs and their precious brew vulnerable, at least according to BDO risk advisory services manager Craig Wright, who found that his Jura F90 internet-connected coffee maker had several significant security holes, including a buffer overflow in its internet connection software. That, he says, could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the PC connected to the coffee maker, not to mention control the strength of the coffee and perform unwanted diagnostics. Of course, given the number of internet-connected coffee makers out there right now, Wright admits that the potential risk is relatively low (and moot if it’s behind a firewall), but he has some dire warnings for the future, saying that eventually “you’ll be able to turn on your oven with your mobile phone,” which he says could lead to a malicious hacker “burning the house down.”
The vast majority of people insist on using their cars as mobile offices and always attempt to get a few bits and pieces done on the journey to and from work. While this can prove to be quite dangerous (as your hands definitely won’t be on ten and two the whole time), Targus has created the 100W Cupholder Style Auto Power Inverter to help you on your way. It looks like a cup, but it’s not actually a cup.
The Targus 100W Cupholder Style Auto Power Inverter sits comfortably in your cupholder and powers your gadgets with 100 to 150 watts through the 120-volt AC plug. For added convenience, it also has USB and PPS ports for your phone, MP3 player and all your other handheld gadgets.
Tea Drinkers of the Giz unite! And get me a Bodum Clara kettle for my birthday next month, please (I share it with Ringo Starr, useless-fact fans). Made of borosilicate glass, which keeps the water smell-, taste- and taint-free, it weighs less than 500 grams and holds 1.75 liters of water. The Clara has got a blue stopper on the spout which makes it whistle like a horny construction worker, and it can be used on electric and gas stoves, as well as ceramic hobs. You can even put it in the microwave if you remove the lid and whistle, but what is the point of that? Microwaves and tea bags/tea leaves should not even be in the same sentence, let alone the same process. Bodum’s beautiful kettle costs $60.
OXO’s very versatile V-Blade Mandoline slices fruits and vegetables with ease. Four blades and a simple height adjuster let you make straight slices, crinkle cuts, French fries and julienne strips in a variety of thicknesses. The blades store on board and are easily removable for cleaning. We’ve added bonus cubing blades for large or fine dice too! A textured surface keeps food from sticking to the Mandoline and the food holder securely holds food and protects your fingers. The handle and turning knob are soft for comfort and non-slip feet keep the Mandoline secure on your work surface. Fold the feet and lock the Mandoline for compact and safe storage. Hand wash the blades; the Mandoline body and food holder are dishwasher safe.
Features
- Sharp, V-shaped blade of hardened stainless steel easily slices both firm vegetables like potatoes and soft fruits like tomatoes
- Four easily adjustable slice thickness settings: 1.5mm, 3mm, 4.5mm and 6 mm
- Straight, wavy and julienne blades conveniently store on board and remove for cleaning
- Bonus cubing blades for large or fine dice store in a handy box
- Mandoline locks closed and feet fold in for safe and compact storage
Whirlpool has launched the AKZ 810 built-in steam assisted oven.
An intelligent sensor-controlled steam assisted oven, the claim is that food does not dry out during the cooking process, while taste, tenderness and natural goodness of your meat, fish and vegetables is preserved.
Whirlpool’s 6th Sense technology manages the steam assisted cooking process for you by sensing the weight of the food, calculating the cooking time needed, adjusting the temperature accordingly and injecting steam into the oven as required.
The oven features 25 pre-programmed recipes and can apparently reduce cooking time by up to 35%. That steam power can be used as a cleaning function, saving you getting your Marigolds out too often.
Protect surfaces when chopping and slicing with our butcher block style cutting boards. These wood cutting boards are extra thick and are extremely durable. Dress up your kitchen with these cutting boards that combine edge grain wood to create a unique decorative pattern. A handle, routed into the side of each cutting board, makes it easy to grip. These solid butcher-block cutting boards protects your counter and add style to your kitchen. Measures 16-by-16-by-2.5-inch. Decorative End Grain design.
Features
- The butcher block style enhances the grain
- Made of plantation grown Asian hardwood
- Protected with a safe, food grade laquer finish
- Wood cutting boards are less dulling to the honed edge of your knife
- Measures 16-by-16-by-2.5-inch