Bayou Classic 3016 30-Quart Outdoor Turkey Fryer with Basket and Fry Pot

• Turkey fryer kit provides 30-quart stockpot and outdoor gas-burner stove
• Aluminum and cast-iron construction for high-quality performance; 10-PSI regulator
• Vented lid; 12″ stainless thermometer; perforated poultry rack;
• Includes 10-quart fry pot and large steam/boil basket for boiling crawfish, shrimp, and vegetables
• Measures approximately 33″ x 16″x16″ fully assembled

First, set up was really easy. Unlike other fryers I have bought and tried in the past, the set up for this product went without a hitch. The manual that came with it was easy to understand and precise. Believe me, I have bought products that came with manuals so hard to understand, it’s a miracle I even got the product to work.

I did not really expect that I could completely fry the turkey for exactly 45 minutes but as promised, the Bayou Classic took that time or maybe just a few more minutes beyond that. What’s really nice is how the turkey was cooked so beautifully inside because the temperature was kept at a consistent level. In one of our parties, everyone was raving at how good and juicy the turkey turned out versus the old turkeys we used to serve which were a bit dry inside.

We have had the fryer for about two months now and we have tried so many recipes with it. The fish and chips dish that we served in one of our afternoon backyard parties with the family was a big hit, even for the kids. There were even some family members who thought that the fish and chips were store-bought. They were really surprised when we said that we have been using the Bayou Classic, the same one we used for the turkey. Corn fritters turned out so deliciously as well with this fryer. We have also done potato truffle wedges and a couple of other recipes and I have to say that we are really happy with the purchase of this product. It makes cooking so much fun and outdoor parties such a great hit with family and friends.

If you are wondering about the clean up, with the Bayou Classic it is really manageable. Of course, you would want to get mileage from this product so you have to make an effort to clean its aluminum body thoroughly. Compared with similar products, I would say it is easier to clean this one than the others. We have had fryers where in the oil sticks to the body and cannot be taken out even with tough dish washing agents.

Overall, I would say that this Bayou Classic Fryer is a definite kitchen staple. I could not imagine frying a turkey using any other product again. With the ease, safety and convenience it provides, this product really returns your money’s worth.

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Sanyo ECJ-F50S Micro-Computerized Rice Cooker and Steamer

Specifications and Features

The Sanyo ECJ-F50S is a 5-cup rice cooker and steamer. It is computerized and utilizes a 24-hour timer. The pot also comes with a steaming tray, spatula, measuring cup, manual and warranty.

Some features of the Sanyo ECJ-F50S micro-computerized rice cooker and steamer that are not available on all rice cookers and steamers are the 24-hour timer and LCD clock display.

The Pros

The Sanyo ECJ-F50S has a 24-hour timer, which is one of the things that make it a much better unit than others. The 24 hour timer lets the users to set the unit to cook ahead of time. It is best for individuals who want to have warm cooked rice after a hard day’s work. The unit’s “keep warm” feature may be useful if you need to work overtime because it can keep the rice warm up to 12 hours.
It is also a good choice because it is multi-functional. It is also suitable for cooking different rice varieties such as white and brown rice as well as rinse-free rice and the Korean Dol Sot Bi Bim Bab. Aside from cooking rice, the Sanyo ECJ-F50S can also be used to make soup or steam vegetables and eggs.
The pot of Sanyo ECJ-F50S is thick and coated titanium so one can always expect even cooking because the heat is equally distributed inside. It can contain up to 5 cups and is coated by titanium. It is made so that every piece of rice does not stick. The bottom part of the pot also ensures even heating.
Most importantly, the Sanyo ECJ-F50S micro-computerized rice cooker and steamer is one of the easiest to use and easiest to maintain. To use, one just needs to pour the water up to the right level, select the kind of rice in the menu and press the start button. There are options for quick and slow cooking as well as porridge and steaming. For cleaning, the task will be lighter because the steam vent can be easily removed. In fact, it does not need to be cleaned often.

The Cons

The Sanyo ECJ-F50S micro-computerized rice cooker and steamer has some cons, too. For instance, the timer can only be used for the rice cooker; not for the steamer. There is also no sound (i.e. beep) when cooking is done.
One who will not read the manual may also encounter some problems using the unit. For instance, you may not notice immediately that the unit does not automatically shuts the keep warm mode even after you have taken some cooked rice out of the pot.

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Zojirushi NP-HBC18 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel

Induction System and Stainless Steel

The Zojirushi NP-HBC18 is a rice cooker and warmer. It currently costs less than $250. It is primarily marketed as a great choice because of its induction system and stainless steel. These two features are a must have for rice cookers and warmers for some reasons.
First, the induction system ensures an even distribution of heat. This gives the excellent result of evenly cooked or warmed rice. Second, the Zojirushi NP-HBC18 rice cooker’s exterior is made from stainless steel. It has an elegant look that can easily match a wide range of kitchen furniture. More importantly, it is very easy to clean.

Other Features

Aside from the induction system and stainless steel, the Zojirushi NP-HBC18 has other features making it an efficient kitchen appliance. You will surely get what you will pay for with the unit’s features.
The Zojirushi NP-HBC18 rice cooker and warmer is a good choice if you are looking for a unit that can be used for cooking a wide variety of rice including white and brown rice, sushi rice, mixed rice and even porridge. It also has a quick cooking option. The GABA brown rice setting is something you will surely appreciate if you have never eaten a perfectly cooked brown rice before. The Zojirushi NP-HBC18 rice cooker and warmer is excellent in providing fluffy, easy to chew and light brown rice.

Specifications

The Zojirushi NP-HBC18 rice cooker and warmer can cook up to 10 cups of rice. It comes with a spatula and retractable cord. There is also a spatula holder. The inner cooking pan is thick and spherical. The thickness seems to be an assurance that the unit will serve you for a long time. It is a bit heavy but does not look cheap. The exterior pan’s clear coating is also helpful in avoiding fingerprints.
A lot of rice cookers now have LCD display, control panel and timer and the Zojirushi NP-HBC18 is not an exemption. The LCD display is easy to read. It helps in reducing mistakes. Have you experienced choosing the brown rice setting when you really want to cook sushi rice? Another good feature of the Zojirushi NP-HBC18 rice cooker and warmer is the delay timer. It even comes with two settings. There is also an auto keep warm feature. It can even be set to extended keep warm feature. A beep signal is also available. This can be changed. You can choose from several kinds of beep and melody.

The Verdict

The Zojirushi NP-HBC18 rice cooker and warmer that is equipped with an induction system for guaranteed even heating and made from stainless steel is a good deal for the price around $250. The other features such as the digital control panel, timer and audio signals make it efficient for everyone who wants to excellently cook and eat rice.

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Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer

• 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology
• Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for spherical heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
• Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles
• Two measuring cups, rice spoon holder, nonstick rice spoon/scooper, and recipes included
• Measures approximately 14″ x 8″ x 9″ ; 1-year limited warranty

Advantages

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 has several varying keep warm modes. The keep warm mode automatically starts when after cooking the rice. There is also an extended keep warm mode. This is an advantage for people who will set the rice cooker in the morning and will suddenly need to stay a bit longer at the workplace. It is efficient in keeping the rice at the best temperature. Additionally, there is a reheat mode.
The kind of inner pan that the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 has is also an advantage. It is a spherical pan that is made to be non-sticky. There are a lot of people who waste lots of rice and a significant amount of time cleaning the rice residue. This can be avoided with non-stick pans like the one in the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10. In addition, the unit’s pan is thick, which helps in ensuring that the heat is contained and distributed evenly.

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 also has a timer equipped with an LCD display. The timer is very efficient for busy individuals who need to do cooking and other things at the same time. It helps in ensuring that the unit will start and stop cooking at the right time. There is also an audible signal when cooking is done. The LCD display ensures that you get to easily see the food type before pressing the “cook” button.
The 680 watts used by the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 for cooking makes the unit an energy efficient appliance. This is enough to provide the proper temperature and achieve excellent results regardless of the type of rice (i.e. white rice, brown rice and porridge) that needs to be cooked.

The Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is also a great choice for people who love the “no rinse” rice, which is milled using a technology that was developed in Japan. The unit also comes with a special cup for cooking no rinse rice.
Lastly, the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 has a white exterior and a retractable cord. This can be an advantage for homeowners who want to keep their kitchen countertops neat. The white exterior can match different styles of kitchen. The retractable cord that you can easily remove after cooking ensures that the countertops are tidy.

Disadvantages

One main disadvantage of the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 is that it includes a measuring cup for Asian sizes. This can be misleading for people from other continents which may expect larger capacity because of the difference in the size of measuring cup. Nevertheless, the unit is good for cooking for five people who eat an average amount of rice.

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Zojirushi NS-LAC05 Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer

• 3-Cup rice cooker with micro-computerized fuzzy logic technology
• Keep-warm function; LCD display with timer; nonstick inner cooking pan
• Menu selections include white, sushi, porridge, brown, and quick cooking
• Measures 11-1/2 by 9 by 7-1/4-inch; 1-year limited warranty.
• Measuring cup, nonstick rice spatula, and spatula holder included

Materials

Some rice sticking to the pot is a common problem when cooking rice manually or electronically. This is solved with the Zojirushi NS-LAC05 that comes with a non-stick inner pot. One can rest assured that he can savor every bits of rice without any part of it to stick to the pot. This also paves the way for a very easy cleaning of the inner pot. The exterior is made from stainless steel, which is a good choice if you hate fingerprints on the appliance’s surface.

Setting Up and Maintenance

The Zojirushi NS-LAC05 is easy to set up. One just needs to read the manual and follow the instructions especially in setting up the clock so you get the best benefits from the timer feature.
When it comes to maintenance, the Zojirushi NS-LAC05 proves to be one of the easiest to clean rice cookers. The inner pot can be easily removed and cleaned. You can also consider the fact that it is a non-stick pot so you will be spending less time for washing.

Timer and LCD Display

Before, when there are no rice cookers in every house, people need to watch their rice and pots. From the minute it was placed on stove up to the last second until it is ready, one needs to watch and monitor the rice to avoid under or over-cooking. With the first rice cookers, one just needs to wash the rice, put the right amount of water, set to cooking mode and leave. Today, it is possible to set cooking ahead of time with the rice cookers equipped with timers like the Zojirushi NS-LAC05.
You can easily navigate through the controls and see how you are about to set the unit with the LCD display. The LCD displays are best for electronic appliances because they give a clear view of data (i.e. time). The one in the Zojirushi NS-LAC05 is extra large and is colored.

Functions and Menu Selection

The Zojirushi NS-LAC05 is suitable for cooking several kinds of rice. You can use it to cook white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, jasmine rice, white and brown basmati, and porridge. Quick cooking is available, too.
There is a “keep warm” mode and it automatically turns on after a cooking mode. This is very useful in keeping the rice or porridge at best temperature until serving.

The Disadvantage

The Zojirushi NS-LAC05 is a relatively small rice cooker. It can cook up to 3 cups of rice so it is not recommended for big families.

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The Sedona food dehydrator measures 17″x19.7″x14.6″. One can use it in drying up to 9 trays. The unit comes with 9 open trays, 9 mesh screen trays and a closed tray so there is nothing to worry about dehydrating various kinds of foods. The trays are made from BPA free plastic. It has a glass window and a timer, which you cannot find in all food dehydrators.

Sedona Food Dehydrator

• 2 digitally controlled fans lets you choose to dry 4, 5 or all 9 trays at a time
• Dehydrator has glass window to keep an eye on the drying process
• Digital temperature display mode also features a timer
• Dehydrator measures 17  by 19.7 by 14.6-inch with detachable power cord
• Includes 9 open trays, 9 mesh screen trays and 1 closed tray

The fans of Sedona food dehydrator are also quiet, which is something most consumers are looking for. There is also a night-time mode. This allows you to set the unit to dehydrate your food and others to sleep soundly. You can even let it running overnight without disturbing anyone’s sleep. Using 600 watts, it is also energy efficient but very effective in dehydrating foods.

Lots of electronic appliances come with a timer nowadays. You can include the Sedona food dehydrator. The timer is very convenient for dehydrating and doing something else at the same time. There is no risk of forgetting about your jerky or dried fruits and over-dehydrating them. More importantly, the timer is a reliable one.
There is also no risk of having the wrong temperature. You can easily see the temperature through the digital display. Plus, you can always look at what you are dehydrating without opening the unit’s door because there is a glass window.
Another good feature of the Sedona food dehydrator is that the user can choose to dry just four or five trays for small servings. This is useful because people do not really need to dehydrate 9 trays of food every time. The digital control also makes choosing the number of trays to dehydrate easy.

If you consider expensiveness as a drawback then this is the main disadvantage of choosing Sedona food dehydrator. It currently costs around $360. In addition, the Sedona food dehydrator is relatively fast and quiet but the night time mode, which is quieter than the regular mode, requires more drying time. Lastly, there is no option for the unit’s color. It is available only in black.

The Sedona food dehydrator that costs more than other brands of food dehydrators is a good choice because it is energy efficient, quiet and convenient to use. It also gives a lot of options. One can choose to dehydrate 4 to 9 trays of foods, the type of tray that you will use and to set it to a quieter mode.

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Breville BEM800XL 5-Quart Die-Cast Stand Mixer

• Planetary Mixing Action
• Load Sensing Technology with Motor Protection
• 12 Speed Electronic Control
• 10 Minute timer with Auto-Off
• Lift Assist Mixer Head

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At first glance, it looks very heavy duty and ready to go rough and tumble with the toughest kitchen assignments. A stainless steel body gives an aura of elegance as well as toughness. The huge dimensions (it weighs 9 pounds) seem to be ready to gobble up just about anything thrown at it. But the good thing about it is that just about every indication points out that this indeed performs as tough as it looks. The heart of this Breville mixer is in its motor. With maximum output rated at 550 watts, it can take on even the most demanding of mixing assignments using a planetary mixing motion. Using the electronic controls, you can adjust its mixing power among 12 different speeds, perfect when you are trying to process different types of foods. But in addition to this, it has one of the more innovative features on the market today. Motor protection sensors detect what type of mixture you are doing and adjust the motor’s speed accordingly, ensuring perfect speed just about every single time. Plus, it has a timer that can be set up to 10 minutes. Additional equipment for the Breville BEM800XL 5 Quart Die cast Stand Up Mixer include a 5 quart bowl where you can dunk in your food for processing, a wire whisk that is perfect for beating or aerating mixtures, a dough hook that is specially designed for kneading thru dough, and a flat mixing paddle for use in everything else in between.

There are a lot of rave reviews for this mixer by Breville. The first thing that people appreciated about this product is how it is able to handle multiple types of food well. Using the paddle, it can mash thru just about anything. With the wire whisk, you can whip up mixtures into perfect consistency. And with the dough hook, you can actually knead thru dough efficiently even without using your hands. It also got additional points for its ergonomics. It performs quietly with minimal vibration even when used at high speeds, a scraper beater that can help you clean out the bowl’s edges, handles that actually work, and a release button that gives better access to the bowl. Some if its weaknesses are inherent to its structure. Some say that it is hard to go through the splash guard and the lift assist handle, and some are looking for some extra features like lights and stuff. But then again, it’s hard to have it all these days.

So in closing, there is so much to like about the Breville BEM800XL. It is an industrial grade mixer that can take on just about every assignment that you wish.

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Oster BLSTET-C Ice Shaving Blender, Brushed Nickel

• 5-Cup dishwasher safe and scratch resistant glass jar is thermal shock tested to withstand extreme temperature changes
• Premium brushed nickel finish
•  Both manual and pre-programmed electronic blending and ice-shaving settings for results with one touch that takes all the guess work out
• Shave ice for smooth frozen drinks with high performance ice crushing blade
• Pulse for precise blending control

This new product coming from Oster, the BLSTET-C is a blender that is dedicated to shaving ice, one of the most difficult products to process. So what makes this product tick? According to Oster, “you can enjoy a smooth, icy drink every day of the week” with this blender. Sure, you can have icy drinks using typical blenders, but the keyword here is the smooth part. This sounds like nirvana for those that want their iced condiments to be as finely processed as possible. So how does this ice shaving blender does it? The secret is a high performance blade that is specifically designed for the purpose of shaving ice. Coupled with a high performance motor, it is designed to cut through ice easily. Its glass jar that has a maximum capacity of 5 cups is also Thermal Shock tested, meaning that it can resist extreme temperature changes better than conventional glass. Additional equipment includes an ice hopper that allows you to mix perfect proportions of ice and liquid. And for your additional blending pleasure, you can program a certain time of blending and by the time you return your ice is now ready to be mixed. Isn’t it great?

So what exactly is the justification for buying a dedicated ice shaving tool such as the Oster BLSTET-C? As said earlier, there are times that no matter how good your food processor is, there are certain ingredients (such as ice) that are so tough to process correctly. With this ice shaver, you’re going to have perfect crushed ice guaranteed. It is going to give your smoothies, shakes, and cocktails unparalleled smoothness consistently, something that you come to expect with a professional blender. Also, it looks gorgeous too, a perfect fit for just about any kitchen. The only obvious downside is the price. Are you willing to shell out 150 dollars for something that is dedicated only for crushing ice? Perhaps most people won’t.

With a price tag that is high enough to buy yourself a high performance blender, buying the Oster BLSTET-C ice shaving blender could be a tough one. But given its strong performance and Oster’s reputation for durability, this is a worthy investment for iced concoction connoisseurs.

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Oster BCBG08-C 6-Cup Glass Jar 8-Speed Blender, Brushed Nickel

• 6-Cup dishwasher safe and scratch resistant glass jar is thermal shock tested to withstand extreme temperature changes
• Powerful 450 watt motor of ice crushing power with eight speeds including pulse
• Removable filler cap for easy and convienent filling and measuring
• Stainless steel “Ice Crusher” blade for perfectly crushed ice every time
• Oster All Metal Drive for lasting durability

We may not know yet how great it does perform (we’ll get to that later), but the first impression one can be had about this Oster BCBG08-C blender is that it looks tough. And based on its specs, it is every bit as tough as it looks. The 2 pieces of the blender, the base and the jar, are connected by metal instead of plastic, ensuring a fit that last longer than most. In addition, employing all metal drive ensure that the working gears are going to last. Furthermore, the glass used in the jar is thermal tested. That is, it is ensured to resist extreme temperature changes, increasing the durability of the jar on the process. With all these equipment, you are almost assured of having a blender that can go on year after year. But can it blend effectively? Absolutely. The one that causes this blender to blend is a motor that is capable of producing up to 450 watts. Furthermore, it can switch into 8 different speeds (including a pulse mode) which give this blender the versatility to process different types of concoctions ranging from sauces to smoothies. A special ice crusher blade allows this blender to process ice perfectly. And to make it easier for dishwashers, both the jar and blades are dishwasher safe. And considering the price tag, (50 dollars at most), it is one heck of a bargain considering its combination of performance and durability.

Reviews are mixed about this blender, with varying opinions. But considering all opinions, the Oster BCBG08-C is generally considered to be a true force. First stop, and perhaps most importantly, it is one heck of a performer. With its combination of a great blade and a versatile motor, it can plow through different types of food with smoothness and consistency. Also, people do like how the jar is ergonomically sound. It is durable, dishwasher safe, has great capacity, and is designed to make pouring easy. One of the weaknesses that it has is that some people said that its ice blending ability is not as good as it should be. This is remedied by placing ice little by little instead of throwing in everything all at once.

All in all, the Oster BCBG08-C brings a lot of bang for your buck. And even though it looks misleadingly cheap (with its plastic buttons), it scored well on the areas that count the most. Its durability is top notch, and its performance is phenomenal and comparable to blenders that are much more expensive.

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However, there are still a lot of homeowners who may be intimidated with the use of food processors in the kitchen. These consumers still feel that food processors are complex pieces of appliance that are difficult to use, operate, and maintain. This may have been true some decades ago, but recent advancements in technology, design and manufacturing have come up with food processors that are efficient, easier and safer to operate, and highly functional.

Those who wish to buy food processors should keep in mind some considerations in order to be able to select the right brand or model for their needs. Food processors first of all come in a lot of sizes or capacities. A small capacity processor would be ideal for individual use or for a household with a small number of people only. There are commercial-quality food processors that would be ideal for households with many family members.

Next to consider are the different functionalities that would be required of the food processor. Amateur or ordinary cooks in the kitchen would usually be satisfied with food processors that provide basic functions, such as chopping, slicing, grating or shredding various vegetables and fruits. Different models of food processors are also able to grind food items such as nuts, coffee beans and other dry ingredients. Advanced models usually provide attachments that can be used for other tasks, such as whipping cream, mixing and kneading dough, and even crushing ice for drinks.

Buyers who place a premium on good looks would therefore also need to consider the different designs of food processors. There are those made of basic plastic material, while there are sturdier and more handsomely finished models in chrome or stainless steel. Some are designed to be easily portable or stackable, while there are some designs that would require extra storage space.

The convenience and ease with which food processors are operated largely depend on the user himself or herself. Petite women or young adults might have difficulty wielding large and complex food processors. On the other hand, men who love to cook in the kitchen might find some food processor models to be too small to handle.

The good news is that consumers need not go through a trial-and-error process in finding the best food processor for themselves. With the power of the Internet, shoppers can now consult other buyers and check out their reviews of food processors from various brands. These reviews are very valuable for prospective buyers in making the best possible choice of food processor model and brand among those available in the market today.