January 31, 2006
Architecture Coffee Cups
I'm not sure how functional these would be, but they do look nice.
If you’re looking for a unique way to serve coffee or tea, you could do worse than these E-Li-Li cups and saucers (set of two), which appear to be unraveling in your hand. Designed by Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, the cup and saucer were part of an Alessi’s 2005 “Il Caffe Alessi” collection, which originated as a project in 2003 that encouraged prominent architects to make a first attempt at industrial design.
Via productdose.com at unica
January 31, 2006
The Refrigerated Countertop Water Filter
I hate Britta water pitchers--they take up room in the frig and it takes forever for the water to cool. That is why we got a refrigerator with water in the door. But if you don't have that option, this seems like a good solution. This countertop water dispenser has a cooler and a filter and is small enough to fit under a kitchen cabinet.
At Hammacher Schlemmer
January 31, 2006
Cuisipro 5-Piece Odd Size Measuring Spoon Set
If you are like me and cook for two most of the time, you are constantly halving recipes. Which means you have to deal with odd sizes. These measuring spoons can help. They come in odd sizes like pinch, 1/8, 2/3, 1-1/2, and 2 tsps. In addition, the spoons are oval, so they fit in spice jars.
At Amazon
January 30, 2006
Pizzazz Pizza Oven
I love making pizza at home--You get to choose your own toppings and put just the right amount on. But I hate dealing with pizza stones. This could be the answer.
This 1,235-watt countertop oven makes pizza in about half the time required by a conventional oven. You don't need to preheat it--it begins rotating and baking the moment you plug it in. There are independently controlled top and bottom heating elements, so all types (frozen or fresh) and sizes (7 to 12 inches) of pizza can be custom baked.
According to the reviews, this is also great for frozen pizza and reheating leftovers.
At Amazon
January 30, 2006
Tilting Cake Turntable
I just ordered an Elmo cake for my two-year old's birthday; I'm afraid I'm not artistic enough to attempt it at home. But if I were, this would come in very handy with the decorating. The turntable can be set at three preset angles--12 degrees, 24 degrees, and level, securely locking into place when necessary. It is 12 inches and has a nonstick surface.
Via bookofjoe at Amazon
Salt Shaker
Here is a reason to live in Helsinki--You can get a pretty salt shaker like this. The neck of the salt shaker acts like a funnel. The shaker is fill and sprinkled out through the neck, with no separate filling hole.
Via design sponge at jatta LAVI
January 27, 2006
Five Spice Jars and Holder
Another interesting spice rack. A combination of plastic and stainless steel, this spice rack has five jars on stems. It has interchangeable labels and a pop top for measuring spoon access.
At UncommonGoods
Toothpick Stand
Maybe using a toothpick isn't very classy, but you can sure have a nice toothpick dispenser.
At Personal Interior Design
Microwave Oven with Built-In Grill
I've heard of microwave/convection oven combinations, but this microwave combines a microwave, grill, and toaster. In addition, you can grill and microwave at the same time:
Two combination microwave/grill-cooking keys allow for cooking food throughout while browning the outside. The unit can be set to microwave at 30 percent while grilling at 70 percent, as well as microwaving at 55 percent while grilling at 45 percent.
At Amazon
January 26, 2006
Family Mussel Pot
I love mussels, but I've never been brave enough to attempt them at home. Maybe if I had this pot . . . . The best thing is, you can use the pot to cook the mussels and to serve them.
A stainless steel strainer keeps mussels to one side as the flavorful juices flow to the other side for dipping a crusty piece of bread. The mussel pot's shape lets you tip it to one side so juices flow more freely. Invert the lid and use it to hold discarded shells.
Via Cribcandy at Amazon
Vacu Vin Pineapple Slicer
Along with mangoes, pineapples are one of my favorite fruits. I love the tropical fruit, what can I say? I should live on a tropical island, sigh . . . Anyhoo, cutting pineapples is even more of a pain than cutting mangoes. This little device purports to make it easy. It cores and slices in one action, working like a corkscrew.
At Amazon
6.75 oz. Stainless Steel Vinegar Sprayer
I had no idea such a thing existed, and I'm not entirely sure of the point. But if you just need a touch of vinegar, this is the gadget for you. You can make sure you add just the right amount of balsamic vinegar to a salad or your fish and chips.
Amazon
January 25, 2006
Sil-Pin™ Traditional Style Silicone Rolling Pin
It started with silicone baking mats and now everything is silicone. I could really use this silicone rolling pin because even when I put a lot of flour on my wooden rolling pin, the dough still seems to stick. Plus it comes in fun colors like tangerine.
At Amazon
Professional Adjust-A-Cup
This seems like a great idea--an adjustable measuring cup. It replaces six conventional measuring cups, so you can get rid of all the small measuring cups you have lying around. The sleeve slides and seals for liquid and dry ingredients, and the product description says it is great for sticky ingredients like honey or peanut butter.
At kitchenkapers.com
January 24, 2006
3–D Cutting Board
Such a simple idea, it is hard to believe it isn't more common. This cutting board as a bottom lip to hold the board in place and a top lip to keep your sliced vegetables on the table.
Via bookofjoe at Chefs.
Vintage Stoves Model 250 stove
Everything old is new again. First came vintage refrigerators, now comes vintage stoves. If you like the look of the 1950s, but want modern conveniences, this is the stove for you. It has a full sized oven, center griddle, interior light, and side storage.
Via Trendir at Vintage Stoves.
Spice Tower
I love a cool spice rack. I just wish my spices were as pretty as these. This self-stacking, interlocking spice rack contains six acrylic spice bottles with removable sifter lids. It also includes 48 pre-printed and six blank spice labels.
At Amazon.
mono pair oil and vinegar
Serve your oil and vinegar in style. I'm not sure how these work, but they sure look cool. And they supposedly have an "ingenious pouring mechanism." I'm intrigued.
At Fitzsu.com
January 23, 2006
Diablo® Sandwich Maker
I'm not sure why this is shaped like a devil. Are sandwiches evil? Anyway, here is an alternative to electric sandwich makers. You just place it on the stove for a few minutes each side. It can be used with gas, electric and ceramic stoves. Hmmmm . . . What about campfires? It could be good for making smores. . .
At La Prima Shops
uten.silo
I'm all for something that clears up counterspace, and utensil jars are never that attractive. If you've got room on your wall (and money to burn), this is a cool way to store your utensils. The uten.silo was designed in 1969 and has been reissued. It attaches to your wall with four screws.
At Amazon
Bubbles Serving Tray
Oooooooooh bubbles . . . . pretty bubbles. . . They call this a serving tray, but it can be used as a cutting board or a trivet.
At cb2.com
January 20, 2006
La Caja China
I've always wondered how I could roast an entire pig in backyard. Now I have the answer. With this roaster, I can roast a 100 pound pig in less than 4 hours. That is a lot of pig! It is made of wood, lined with aluminum, and includes charcoal pan and grid, large dripping pan, two stainless steel grill racks, one marinating syringe, and two handles. Mmmmm . . . I can almost taste the roast pork . . . or lamb . . . or turkey . . . .
At Amazon.
Mango Splitter
I love mangoes. I eat them whenever I get a chance. But cutting a mango is such a pain. This might make things a little easier. The mango slicer supposedly slices fruit cleanly in half, leaving almost nothing behind on the seed. It has stainless-steel blades and is dishwasher safe.
At Amazon.
January 19, 2006
Electrolux Icon Wall Oven
I have always wanted a double oven. Alas, it hasn't been practical in either of the two kitchen renovations we have done. Maybe someday I will have room for one; in the meantime, I can drool over this one. It has a hidden bake element, European convection system, cool touch door, halogen lighting, electronic oven control, and smooth glide oven racks. And is soooo pretty . . .
Via Uncrate at Electrolux
Automatic Kitchen Compost Machine
In my house growing up we put our compost in a jar. Of course it was my chore to take it out to the compost pile, and it was stinky and messy. This seems like a much better way to compost. You can put in up to 5 pounds a day and you get fresh compost every two weeks.
Via Cool Hunting at Nature Mill
The Garlic Card
Ok--This thing isn't very attractive, but it sounds pretty cool. It comes in eight colors and has little embossed letters all over it that allow you to puree garlic without much mess or fuss. And it is the size of a credit card so you can carry it with you for any garlic pureeing emergencies that may occur.
Via the cool hunter at Amazon
January 18, 2006
Noguchi Tea Cups
Now that the weather is so crappy, I enjoy drinking tea every day. How I would love to drink tea out of these tea cups instead of the boring mugs that I currently drink out of. There are two styles--one has saucer for a cookie. Mmmmm . . . cookies . . .
Via Popgadget at Velocity Art and Design
Ole Colander
Who knew colanders could be so stylish. It can be used as both a colander and a serving dish, and looks like a sleek modern chair. It is made of bright yellow-glazed ceramic, and is dishwasher safe.
At MoMAstore.
Citrus Trumpet
I don't have one of these, but Russ does. The way he was talking about it made me want to get one right away. I'm too lazy to cut the fruit and squeeze, so I usually get my lemon and lime juice from a bottle (not as good, I know). This seems like a great way to get fresh juice without the mess. Russ says if you don't use all the juice, you can put it in the fridge for later.
Williams-Sonoma
January 17, 2006
Bongos Portable Kitchen from Emme Group
You won't have to leave the backyard--everything will be in one place. It is made of stainless steel and has a three-way refrigerator, sink complete with drainer basket and chopping board, and two standard top burners.
The Living in Style project of Emme resulted in the Bongos portable kitchen concept. The Bongos mobile kitchen has everything you need to express your culinary talents indoors or out. Entertaining is made easy when you can bring the food to the guests. Your next back yard fiesta will come alive with your personal chef preparing food right in front of you.
Via Trendir at Emme Group Design
Yogurt Cheese Maker
I don't know what yogurt cheese is, but I like yogurt and I like cheese, so it could be the perfect combination. According to the description, you can use yogurt cheese as a low-fat substitute cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream. Simple instructions and recipes for yogurt cheese are included. If you are really ambitious, you can make your own yogurt and then make yogurt cheese.
At Cuisipro Donvier Yogurt Cheese Maker
Anti–Boil Over Clip
The contraption looks a little scary, but I could definitely use this. No more boiling over messes. It says the the height adds just the right amount of space to let steam escape. It fits all pots and is dishwasher safe.
Via bookofjoe at Walter Drake
January 16, 2006
Walk-In Wine Vault
Wine cellars are so 20th century. Next time you redo your kitchen, you may want to put in a wine vault. You can store more than one thousand bottles; the racks are arranged for single-, double- and triple-bottle storage, while also accommodating magnum bottles and crates; and the digital thermostat system offers precise control over temperature, allowing adjustment between 50ºF and 70ºF, while maintaining ideal humidity conditions.
Via Gizmag at the GE Monogram Collection
Professional Food Slicer
Be like Kramer with this professional slicer in your home. Imagine the slicing possibilities! Slicer measures 14 by 10-1/2 by 10 inches and slices meat, cheeses, vegetables, and shoe heels (ok, that probably isn't recommended). It has a stainless steel catch tray and an extendable section for larger food items.
At Rival 1050-C Professional Food Slicer
Sushi Symmetry
We need new sushi plates because someone who will remain nameless (ok, it was me) broke a couple of our soy sauce bowls. This looks pretty cool.
With this set of four square plates, you won't have to roll your own sushi to present a striking platter. Design your own dinner arrangement with the interchangeable ceramic plates and sauce dishes, which give you the power to serve separately or connect courses. Sets include four large plates and four sauce dishes.
Via UncommonGoods: SUSHI SET
January 13, 2006
BigFoot Bottle Inversion Cap
Given the new design of ketchup bottles this might not be such a BIG idea but we do think for certain annoying sauce bottles this could be the bomb. BigFoot replaces ordinary bottle cap to allow bottle to stand upside down. BigFoot provides a wide, stable base to prevent the bottle from tipping over, and its unique cap design fits most popular sizes of plastic bottles.
At BigFoot Bottle Inversion Cap: thegadgetsource.com
Best of the Blogpire
Another week and another Best of the Blogpire. It looks like the Mac OS X is finally getting some GPS support: Garmin Announces MAC OS X Support and other devices like the new Sling device are making SlingPlayer.
Single Serve Coffee.com continues the onslaught of coffee reviews with Review: Aerobie AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker and if you're a coffee pod user Review: Eight 0' Clock Colombian Coffee Pods.
Just The Chips finds two new books - one on Poker humor: A collection of poker wit and a return to a classic poker book Hold'Em Poker for Advanced Players.
Want to get a new cool fridge? Kitchen Contraptions finds 50's Inspired Refrigerators from Smeg and GE Custom Cabinet Refrigerators & Freezers.
Shaving Stuff.com continues their Review of KENMEN products, part 2.
TV Snob.com also has an amazing run down of all the cool new gadgets from CES: TVSnob CES 2006 Roundup.
Shirt Snob.com has found new Hoodies at Threadless!!!.
Want to know how to find better wine? Wine News: 10 ways to become a smarter, thriftier wine buyer.
And of course we save the best for last - check out The Liquor Snobby Awards: Best of 2005. Magic.
January 12, 2006
50's Inspired Refrigerators from Smeg
You've really got to love a british flag wrapped fridge. The new Fab32 is a refrigerator with 50's inspiration and today's view of customization. The Smeg Fab 32 is 60cm wide and holds 330 litres of your favorite foods. The bottom compartment houses 2 fruit and vegetable containers. The dual motors,rapid freezing, and reversible hinges are another few perks of the Fab32. You can order yours in lime green, rosso, or azzuro.
Via Trendir at Smeg
ProctorSilex Single-Serve Pod Coffeemaker
The ProctorSilex 42114 Single-Serve Pod Coffeemaker features a 500-watt heater and brews an 11-ounce cup of single serve coffee. You can use either ground coffee or pods by using the pod holder or the permanent filter that's included.
Features include:
- "On" indicator light; automatic shutoff;
- dishwasher-safe removable parts
- Pod holder and permanent filter for ground coffee included
- Measures 9-1/4 by 8-1/2 by 10-3/4 inches;
- 180-day warranty
At Amazon.com
January 11, 2006
Mustang Insulated Smoker
We've been craving an insulated smoker to make some high powered beef jerky lately. We'd also love to have the option of a smoker that would cook up some serious ribs and sausages even in cold weather. Our current smoker just cools down too fast because of the lack of insulation and also it doesn't close very tight.
The mustang insulated smoker has the following features you'll need when you want to smoke something right:
- a 20-lb. capacity, with 4 wire racks for jerky and more.
- 3 stainless steel rods for sausages, etc.
- 6" 1,000W heating element uses standard 120V AC;
- Small dial thermometer fits in door... read the temp. without opening;
- Stainless steel pan for wood chips, sawdust, to add flavor;
Yum. We can taste the jerky right now.
At Mustang Insulated Smoker
GE Custom Cabinet Refrigerators & Freezers
It seems even GE is getting into the custom refrigerator these days. I can't imagine having to match our cabinets with the fridge but I guess this might work. The main issue might be getting a fridge that isn't counter depth - I hate small fridges. We do like the range of features and options though and this looks like the thing to do for a custom kitchen this year.
Get the style you want and features you need, without the cost and inconvenience of a kitchen redo. If you want a built-in look, without the built-in expense, a GE Profile or GE CustomStyle refrigerator makes the most of your kitchen space by blending in almost seamlessly with surrounding cabinetry.
At GE Refrigerators and Freezers
January 10, 2006
Jura-Capresso Impressa S9 Automatic Coffee Center
Truly a kitchen contraption if we ever saw one, the Jura-Capresso S9 is in a class of its own. It will grind, tamp, brew and clean in under 60 second with a push of a button. We've had the pleasure and we do mean pleasure of using one of these machines to review last year and it was astounding how good the coffee could be.
With its 96-ounce capacity, two stainless steel lined thermoblock heating systems, a traditional frother and the automatic frothXpress Plus system it produces coffees, espressos and unlimited amounts of hot frothed and steamed milk for cappuccinos and lattes with no down time.
A separate hot water spout for tea, a separate ground coffee funnel and a stainless steel warming tray on top make this a complete hot beverage center.
At Jura-Capresso 13215 Impressa S9 Avantgarde Automatic Coffee Center
Calorius Electric Kettle
This modern looking kettle uses 1500 watts of power to automatically boil water and switch off the kettle when done. Since it has an auto-off when it's reached the boiling point you won't need to do a mad dash to the kitchen to stop your kettle from boiling over. The kettle also features a soft-grip to ensure no burnt hands when making tea.
Via productdose.com at Target.com
January 9, 2006
MIU France Electric Pepper Mill
This electric pepper mill features a push button on the top to commence grinding along with a light on the bottom to assist in putting the pepper where it really needs to go. The glass window allows you to see how many peppercorns you have left before needing a refill. What we really like is the shape of the mill - it's very modern and really quite spectacular in brushed chrome.
At MIU France Electric Pepper Mill
Hostess Twinkies Brand Bake Set: Bake your own death cakes! - Blogging Baby
For $19.99 you can make your own set of sugar filled Twinkies any time day or night. We're pretty sure we'd have to eat an entire pan of these babies after a nice creme injection and we can imagine going beyond simple creme and perhaps filling with chocolate and creme? WILD!
Now you can make your favorite treat at home with this fun Twinkies® baking kit. Easily bake up some fun with this complete kit that creates Twinkie shaped mini cakes. Go traditional or stir things up by creating your own original cake and filling combination. Set includes hi-temp spatula, non-stick baking pan for eight Twinkies, icing injector, Twinkies container and a bonus recipe booklet. Baking pan is dishwasher safe. Not suitable for children under the age of 6.
Via Blogging Baby at Bed Bath & Beyond
January 6, 2006
Long Slot Toaster
We need longer and longer slots because of these insane breads we keep buying. We do have a toaster oven, but I've often found we just don't get the toasted toast we want. This Oyster toater oven touts longer slots for longer bread. Perhaps this is the toaster we've been seeking all these long toaster years...
Form meets function in the Oster Toaster. The stylish brushed stainless steel housing frames two extra wide slots for bagels and pastries. With seven toast shade settings, advanced toast technology, and slots big enough to hold four slices of toast, you get great toast in no time, everytime.
At Oster 6327 Long Slot 4-Slice Toaster
Pebble Salt & Pepper Shakers
What's not to love about a pair of aluminum pebble salt and pepper shakers? Well - we can't find much. We also think for $9.95 you can't beat these lightweight aluminum beauties.
At cb2.com / pebble salt and pepper shakers
January 5, 2006
Making Eggs Singapore Style
You know we love to cover all things eggs. We found this amazing write up at Popgadget on eating eggs in Singapore and Malaysia. We had no idea that coconut milk and eggs would mix so well together on toast and there would be even more kitchen contraptions to cook eggs there.
The traditional breakfast in Singapore and Malaysia is toast slathered with kaya (a jam made from coconut milk and eggs, and scented with pandan leaves) and butter, a couple of soft-boiled eggs lightly drizzled with soya sauce, and hot coffee (condensed milk optional). It was only when I tried to prepare this myself that I realised just how tricky making the perfect soft-boiled egg was. Delia Smith notwithstanding, I find making soft-boiled and hard-boiled eggs an inexact science. Fortunately for those of us who aren’t domestic goddesses, there are gadgets to help.
At Popgadget: Personal Tech for Women
Elegant Beer Opener for Your Kitchen
What's not to love about this bottel opener. It's the perfect shape and we wouldn't mind it laying around on our kitchen countertops at all.
Erik Bagger’s bottle opener for the ”Culture” beer glass range has an elegance, power and functionality that melds beautifully with the ”Culture” beer glass and mirrors its simple design. The bottle opener is made of 18/10 gauge satin stainless steel and is suitable for the dishwasher.
At Lekker - Unique Home Furnishings
January 4, 2006
simplehuman Butterfly Step Can
We have really been enjoying our simplehuman step can and think this slimmer fitting step can might be another candidate for our kitchen space. The award winning butterfly step can has a narrow footprint to fit in tight spaces. The lid opens from the center like a butterfly for maximum clearance under low counter tops. It closes slowly & quietly with damper mechanism
and has a spring loaded pedal which opens the lid smoothly along with an integrated toe kick for easy access.
At simplehuman Step-On Butterfly Trash Can
Rock Your Chips & Dip
Made from classic vinyl LPs, these bowls are 100% recycled vinyl. Great for chips, popcorn, or whatever you want to serve at your next function.
At ELSEWARES
January 3, 2006
Omega 4000 Juicer
Having just spent 10 days in Florida we know what fresh orange juice can be like everyday. We did some research and think this Omega 4000 juicer might be the way to go. Granted we can't just walk outside and pick some oranges off the tree for juicing, but I think we can buy a bushle or two to tide us over.
Drink your vitamins and minerals in their most natural form and enjoy the health benefits and instant energy of pure juice. This machine is easy to use, easy to maintain and built to provide years of service. If you operate an inn or bed and breakfast, your guests will love the luxury of freshly squeezed juice and you will love the convenience. Leftover pulp is fabulous compost for your garden and is a great addition to cakes, quick breads, and soups.
At Omega 4000 Juicer
Pavina Double-Walled Coffee Mug
We have really been enjoying these double-walled coffee cups from Bodum over the past few weeks. We recently featured these on Single Serve Coffee.com but though our readers here at Kitchen Contraptions would also find these mugs amazing.
We'd also like to recommend for anyone considering something elegant and simply wonderful to buy for a coffee drinker - get these. The glasses both astound and delight as you sip your coffee. The coffee seems to be suspended in mid-air.
Bodum's insulated glassware is made from durable Borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass is a strong heat-resistant glass that weighs less than traditional glassware. Used to make scientific lab glass, borosilicate glass (medical grade glass) is stronger than traditional "soda-lime" glass and can be used for everything from drinkware to cookware. We've put these through several espresso sessions, coffee sessions, and also the dishwasher with no issues.
At Bodum Pavina Double-Walled Double Old-Fashioned/Tumbler Glasses
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