Kitchen Tools

Teakettle/Teapot Find

Nina wrote 12/15/00:
     Here is something for your kitchen tools section.
     We recently managed to boil our old metal teakettle dry so the spout fell off. For a replacement, we tried Sur La Table first and found just what we wanted. This is a Joyce Chen teakettle, an admirable creation.
     It is ceramic, homey and classic in appearance, while also somehow elegant. It can be used on electric or gas stove, and can double as a teapot. The price is reasonable, $35, less than most others we saw. The only disadvantage, negligible for us, is that the kettle cannot go into the dishwasher.
    This teakettle is available online, at www.surlatable.com. Search for teakettle or teapot, then Brown Stovetop Teapot.

Sauté Pan

A few months ago I picked up a small (8 inch diameter) sauté pan at the Dansk factory outlet store in Berkeley. This has proven to be a little gem, the complete answer for a small general-use pan. It is non-stick, but still durable in a way that other non-sticks are not. It also heats up very fast. I couldn't be more pleased.  

The material is "Select SilverStone" by Dupont. At this factory outlet store the price is reasonable for what this is, $14.95 (May 2000). I imagine it's higher in the stores which carry Dansk products along with others. 

There are also larger pans in the series. Unfortunately none, except for one size, have lids. (Transparent lids are a must for braising.)

To purchase from Dansk directly, you must go to one of their 51 factory outlet stores, generally outside major cities, or else order from a store near you. You can not order from their Website, nor does their Website list the factory outlet stores. (It does list the department stores, large specialty stores, and smaller gift stores which carry Dansk products. Click www.dansk.com.)  However, any store can give you a list of all the outlet stores. Phone for the Berkeley store is 510-528-9226.

May 2000

Toaster Oven

The top-brown feature is remarkably difficult to find. It is currently available in the Welbilt® model from Vermont Country Store . We have used this exact model in our household for many years. http://www.vermontcountrystore.com.

The oven may be ordered from the VCS Website, although it is not described there. Thus if you don't yet receive the Store's mailings, we quote from the Spring 2000 catalog as follows: "This toaster oven meets all of our criteria for everyday use because: 1) it's compact enough to fit on your countertop; 2) it's big enough to cook a small chicken without heating up the oven in your stove; 3) it has an efficient broiler element; 4) it top-browns beautifully; 5) it toasts up to 4 slices of bread at once; 6) it has an automatic shut-off, timer, and continuous clean feature. And, 7) it's an exceptional value. Made by Welbilt®, one of the most trusted appliance makers in the business. 1200 watts. Finish is white enamel. Comes with a baking tray, broiling pan, removable crumb tray, cooking guide, and instruction manual. UL listed. Measures 16 1/2in.x11in.x8in. No.29172 Toaster Oven $59.95."

To order: Order from the catalogue. Or from the Website, giving the Item Number above, www.vermontcountrystore.com, .

They also have a one-quart crockpot, plus a Swedish potato peeler that they think is the best ever. Don't overlook the last page of the Spring 2000 issue, where they announce a comeback of 1930s Melamine dishware (set of 16 pieces for $49.95.)

- Posted May 1, 2000

Peppermill

Nearly all peppermills that we have seen are unsatisfactory for grinding fine pepper, the normal use of pepper in our household. The one exception that we know is the Zassenhaus Peppermill.

In other peppermills you obtain a fine grind by turning the knob all the way shut, then backing off slightly. This is unsatisfactory for two reasons. First, the adjustment depends on your feel, and is imprecise. Then, if you do get it right one time, the next time it ill be out of adjustment.

The Zassenhaus peppermill solves this problem by a common-sense technique. You simply turn the knob all the way to the right, and this provides a fine grind of pepper.

In addition to this indispensable feature, the mill is high quality all around, with a 10 year guarantee. It is available from Penzey's, the only mill they have in the catalog. They know a good thing when they see it.

For a complete description and/or to order on line, click www.penzeys.com (Mills and Containers section).

(If this whets your appetite for other Zassenhaus grinders, check out their coffee mills at www.sweetmarias.com.

May 2000

Kitchen Scale

In our household, we tried different scales before settling on the Terraillon "Electronic Add'N'Weigh" scale.

This has met our needs because measures in 1/8 ounce increments, up to capacity of 4 pounds 6 ounces. (Other scales tend to be very precise with a maximum capacity of 10 ounces, or else provide 11 -pound capacity, but only 1 ounce increments.)

It also has an indispensable feature that allows successive weighing of bowl and ingredients. You set the bowl on the scale, and adjust to zero. Add some onions, and the dial shows you the weight of the onions.

This was rated a "Best Buy" by Cook's Illustrated Magazine.

Available (Item #4756) from A Cook's Wares catalog or website www.cookswares.com.

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