Ten... Kitchen Gadget Treats
'Why didn't *I* get any soup?'
Gizmo Week
Most of us actually have more gadgets in the kitchen than anywhere else in the house. And looking at the list here, it’s easy to see why. There are gizmos for every conceivable task, from opening a tin of beans to knocking up a homemade Scotch broth. Most of the gizmos here are genuinely useful and would be a great addition to any kitchen, big or small. Others - I’m looking at you Magimix 11529 Two-Slice Vision Toaster - are more about showing off and having a bit of fun with food. As for the Bisch Tassimo T65, you’ll have to prize that from my cold, dead hands to take it from me...
Bodum Fyrkat barbecue
Spring may have burst into life, and it might feel like summer is just around the corner, but previous experience has taught is that opportunities for al fresco dining are likely to be few and far between. Nevertheless, every home should have a barbecue, preferably one that’s small enough to be used on balcony, courtyard - or even the boot of the car if it’s too wet for a picnic. The Bodum's enamel-coated steel body comes in five colours, and the silicone handle stops you from burning your fingers. The grill is compact, but it’s big enough to feed two people comfortably.
More Info Bodum
Bosch Tassimo T65 coffee maker
There are sexier coffee machines around. And there may be one or two which make better coffee. But I love the Bosch Tassimo, not just because it makes great coffee, but because it’s versatile too. Whether you want an early morning espresso, an afternoon cup of tea, or a late night hot chocolate, the T65 will deliver it with aplomb. It includes a Brita water filter to get rid of the nasties and hard water and make sure you always get that perfect cup. The final clincher is the price of the capsules. At around £4 for 16, the price per cup is a good deal cheaper than Nespresso.
More Info Tassimo
Next page: Cuisinart SSB1U soup maker
COMMENTS
I don't get why you would want a cartridge coffee maker. You're tying yourself to one manufacturer and are forced to pay whatever they want to charge.
They may have me on printer cartridges, but I'll be damned if they get their hands on my coffee!
Engraved handle on a kitchen knife...
"look at me - I'm a chef". Strangely, chef was not the word that sprung to mind when I read that.
Re: Love the Imperia pasta machine
Kids are definitely the most useful kitchen gadget. They're pretty cheap to buy but the running costs can be enormous and they're a bugger to keep clean.
Cupboards full of crap
I wonder who has the space for most of this junk.
Re: Engraved handle on a kitchen knife...
knifes do not 'stay sharp'. that is the common misconception that leads people to buy expensive knifes - usually japanese as they keep their edge a bit longer (see below).
the best thing you will every buy for the kitchen is a steel bar. Use it after EVERY TIME you use the knife.
yup - not once a year. or once every now and then. EVERY TIME. EVERY DAY.
I have a nice 10" from ikea. cost a tenner. cuts through anything like butter. had it for 2 years and use it everyday (with the steel bar).
the japanese tend to use sharpening stones for knifes rather than a steel bar, which leaves a sharper blade for longer, but then needs the stones again, plus it wears the knife out more than a bar.
It's horses for courses, but it is one of the reasons folk get lured into buying expensive japanese knifes.
How many folk have one of these 100 quid knifes in their kitchen and no sharpening device at all ? my bet is the majority....
stu
stu
