What you consider *superior* products (II)

[dtbach]

I had to replace my 12" skillet after 15 years of light use!

Reading online reviews it's more common than you would expect.

The stainless steel pans (which America's Test Kitchen rates the top pans) should last darn near forever. But non-stick is not as durable as steel obviously and will wear out on even the best cookware. I've had mine for over 5 years and use them at least once per week and they are still as good as new. They do have some nicks and scratches but are far more durable than any other non-stick brands I've owned.

 

[Dash man]

Still dreaming of mint chocolate chip ice cream. It’s an addiction!

 

[Jerry1]

This is superior cookware.

 

[jollystomper]

DW and will be replacing the sofa/loveseat furniture in our family room. Now that we no longer have kids running amok, DW only wants to consider real leather furniture, she see it as a superior product.

 

[gretah]

Mac / Apple computer

Cuisinart brand food processor

 

[JP.mpls]

Pyrex food containers:
I hate the lower shelf in our kitchen loaded up with various forms of "tupperware" containers. Even if I reorganize it, it turns into a mess again fairly quickly.
I'm also trying to avoid microwaving leftovers in plastic containers.


I recently bought a set of Pyrex glass containers, 6 cup size, with kind of a rubberized cover that seems to seal good. They are a perfect size, and good for microwaving purposes. I threw out all but a few of the nice large Tupperware containers, and I bought 9 of these Pyrex containers, all with the same cover size. They are awesome, and the shelf stays very organized now. One container holds all of the covers.


I don't microwave the covers. I use a glass or paper plate for microwaving, or a napkin.


I only have one minor complaint. They can be stacked, but not as good as they should. I stack them two high.




JP

 

[Walt34]

Pyrex food containers:...


I recently bought a set of Pyrex glass containers, 6 cup size, with kind of a rubberized cover that seems to seal good. They are a perfect size, and good for microwaving purposes.

I bought about a half-dozen of these when I was working at my last job to take lunch (well dinner really) in with me. Since I worked evenings and the cafeteria was closed and overpriced anyway this worked. I already had one of those Igloo "lunchbox" type coolers and they fit in there well with some ice.

The purchase was about ten years ago now and although the plastic covers have faded a bit from dishwasher washings they show no sign of becoming brittle.

 

[davebarnes]

https://newengland.com/today/living/profiles/trappist-preserves/
Delicious

 

[TromboneAl]

The stainless steel pans (which America's Test Kitchen rates the top pans) should last darn near forever. But non-stick is not as durable as steel obviously and will wear out on even the best cookware.

I find that our stainless steel cookware and our cast iron cookware is so easy to clean, that I think:

Nonstick cookware is a scam.

​

It's such a pleasure to clean the SS pots that I do it even when it's Lena's turn to clean. No worries about scratching it, and I can always get them looking like new.

​

I got the big Le Creuset frying pan for $20 at a garage sale ($130 new) because the husband said it was "too hard to clean." It couldn't be easier.

The big saucepan is a Calphalon SS pot.

​

 

[Nightcap]

I find that our stainless steel cookware and our cast iron cookware is so easy to clean, that I think:

Nonstick cookware is a scam.

​

It's such a pleasure to clean the SS pots that I do it even when it's Lena's turn to clean. No worries about scratching it, and I can always get them looking like new.

​

I got the big Le Creuset frying pan for $20 at a garage sale ($130 new) because the husband said it was "too hard to clean." It couldn't be easier.

The big saucepan is a Calphalon SS pot.

​

With respect, most chefs (and amateurs like me) keep a nonstick skillet about for eggs. Mine is T-Fal. It never gets heated above medium and eggs are about the only thing that get cooked in it. I've tried to do eggs in the cast iron skillet and in the All-Clad, but they always stick somewhere.

For anything else, however, the All-clad rules. There are times you *want* stickage - it's what makes the "fond" when caramelizing onions, for example. A bit of liquid frees up the browned bits and gives you an instant pan sauce.

 

[Meadbh]

With respect, most chefs (and amateurs like me) keep a nonstick skillet about for eggs. Mine is T-Fal. It never gets heated above medium and eggs are about the only thing that get cooked in it. I've tried to do eggs in the cast iron skillet and in the All-Clad, but they always stick somewhere.

For anything else, however, the All-clad rules. There are times you *want* stickage - it's what makes the "fond" when caramelizing onions, for example. A bit of liquid frees up the browned bits and gives you an instant pan sauce.

+1

 

[TrvlBug]

With respect, most chefs (and amateurs like me) keep a nonstick skillet about for eggs. Mine is T-Fal. It never gets heated above medium and eggs are about the only thing that get cooked in it. I've tried to do eggs in the cast iron skillet and in the All-Clad, but they always stick somewhere.

For anything else, however, the All-clad rules. There are times you *want* stickage - it's what makes the "fond" when caramelizing onions, for example. A bit of liquid frees up the browned bits and gives you an instant pan sauce.

+2

 

[Amethyst]

Agreed. And, while we are on the subject of monk-ufactured excellence:

https://www.chartreuse.fr/en/produits/yellow-chartreuse/

https://newengland.com/today/living/profiles/trappist-preserves/
Delicious

 

[tmm99]

I love my All-class cookware too (regular, not non-stick). Things really do not stick, like they do to cheaper pans. But eggs? Like the others said, a totally different ball game.

For eggs, I use relatively cheap and very light Gotham frying pans over medium heat. Eggs slide right off, with or without oil.

 

[ncbill]

I consider non-stick plans consumable items, so they get replaced after several years.

 

[dtbach]

With respect, most chefs (and amateurs like me) keep a nonstick skillet about for eggs. Mine is T-Fal. It never gets heated above medium and eggs are about the only thing that get cooked in it. I've tried to do eggs in the cast iron skillet and in the All-Clad, but they always stick somewhere.

For anything else, however, the All-clad rules. There are times you *want* stickage - it's what makes the "fond" when caramelizing onions, for example. A bit of liquid frees up the browned bits and gives you an instant pan sauce.

+3 Some very knowledgeable cooks around here.

 

[pb4uski]

Interesting. I have a carbon steel frying pan that I use for eggs all the time... as long as I use a little butter they don't stick a bit (over easy or scrambled).. no butter and they stick like the dickens.

Matfer Bourgeat 062005 Black Steel Round Frying Pan, 11 7/8-Inch, Gray

That said, I do frequently cook eggs in a non-stick pan and consider non-stick pans to be consumable items... after about a year or two they are junk.

 

[Scuba]

Swell bottles are awesome! No more lukewarm water for me. Just bought several for holiday gifts. I love mine!

 

[Amethyst]

Been cooking eggs for...oh, 50 years? Eggs were the first thing I learned to cook for myself. Put enough olive oil in that pan, and your eggs will never stick unless you forget them and let them burn (phew, please don't ever do that ). Plus, olive oil is good for you.

I gave up on "non-stick" coated pans years ago. Not only do they wear out quickly, I've read that the coating itself becomes toxic when overheated.

While I don't quite subscribe to T-Al's assertion that SS pans are extremely easy to clean, there are a few tricks. My favorite is putting the pan on low heat and pouring in a little wine (vinegar works, too, but smells bad). The combination of heat and acid usually lifts the mess right off.

With respect, most chefs (and amateurs like me) keep a nonstick skillet about for eggs. Mine is T-Fal. It never gets heated above medium and eggs are about the only thing that get cooked in it. I've tried to do eggs in the cast iron skillet and in the All-Clad, but they always stick somewhere.

For anything else, however, the All-clad rules. There are times you *want* stickage - it's what makes the "fond" when caramelizing onions, for example. A bit of liquid frees up the browned bits and gives you an instant pan sauce.

 

[BrianB]

A few weeks ago we bought this multi-port USB charger:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FLP7JX4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and these short "C" style USB cables:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0152VEHD2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Between three of us we have 4 tablets, 4 cell phones, music players and other devices. I set it up in the spare bedroom / office. Instead of searching for chargers & devices all over the house it keeps everything neat and in one place.

The deciding factor was that all 8 ports are the hi-power 2.4 amp type. Most multi chargers only have a couple of hi power and the rest are 1.0 amp which takes a long time to recharge.

 

[USA]

Beef, almonds, honey from Bar10Beef.com
Lavender dish soap from MrsMeyers.com
Wipes from Freshends.com
Vidalia Chop Wizard
Avalon Plantation Shutters

 

[Meadbh]

I don’t want to sound like an ad, but.....my Instant Pot 6 qt Duo 7 in 1 multicooker. It’s currently making dinner (Swedish meatballs in tomato sauce with macaroni) and it has been used at least 10 times since I bought it on Black Friday. Everything I’ve made in it has turned out great, especially the yogurt. I find it extremely easy to use. Best $69.99 CDN ($55.85 US) I have spent in a very long time.

 

[Time2re]

I don’t want to sound like an ad, but.....my Instant Pot 6 qt Duo 7 in 1 multicooker. It’s currently making dinner (Swedish meatballs in tomato sauce with macaroni) and it has been used at least 10 times since I bought it on Black Friday. Everything I’ve made in it has turned out great, especially the yogurt. I find it extremely easy to use. Best $69.99 CDN ($55.85 US) I have spent in a very long time.

I agree! Have had mine 2 years, use it almost daily. DH makes applesauce once a week, has gotten creative adding pears, mango, red hots (candies), etc. I love soups!

 

[CoolRich59]

LL Bean fleeced lined leather slippers.

YES! Got myself a pair and loved them so much I got a pair for SWMBO for Christmas and she loves them too. My daughter-in-law had seen mine and got herself a pair, then bought a pair for my son for Christmas.

I suspect these slippers must be one of LL Bean's top selling products!

 

[TromboneAl]

This thing works quite well:

Instead of putting clock radios on our bedside tables, we put this on a nearby dresser. Its numbers are large enough for me to see, and the projection to the other side of the ceiling provides DW with a clock.

We don't use the alarm, of course, nor the radio.