Rival SP100 Smart-Part Module Review

Rival SP100 Smart-Part ModuleThe problem: No matter what they say, some foods DO overcook in a slow cooker. Spaghetti sauce loses its tangy tomato flavor. Soups can scorch. Meats become dry and stringy.
Early slow-cooker owners tried to remedy the situation with lamp timers, meaning one had to leave uncooked ingredients at room temperature until the timer switched on, increasing the danger of bacterial contamination. Slow cookers with a keep-warm setting are useful only if someone is around to turn the knob from High or Low to Keep Warm. Other tricks included freezing the ingredients overnight in the hopes of deliberately slowing down the cooking process.
After 30 years on the market, Rival addressed the problem with the Smart-Pot programmable slow cooker, introduced in 2001. The Smart-Pot's electronic timer features 4 cooking cycles: 4 or 6 hours on High, 8 or 10 hours on Low. At the end of the cooking cycle, the Smart-Pot shifts to Keep Warm until it's switched off.
So, what about all those people who are still using their 10, 20 or even 30-year-old Crock-Pots and other brands of slow cookers? Because of the relatively low cooking temperatures, slow cookers don't burn out like toasters and coffeemakers. Unless the crock breaks, there's little reason to replace a perfectly good slow cooker. Realizing this, Rival packed the brains of the Smart-Pot into the Smart-Part Programmable Module.
The Smart-Part makes any slow cooker (up to 400 watts) a programmable slow cooker. You plug your Crock-Pot into the Smart-Part's electrical outlet, turn the knob on the cooker itself to High and plug the Smart-Part into a wall outlet. Based on the model number, you select one of 3 settings marked A, B or C. If it's a brand other than Rival, use the same setting as a model with a similar capacity and wattage, or start with the C setting and work your way back through B and A if the food seemed overcooked. Punch up the cooking time and you're free to go about your day. At the end of the cooking time, the Smart-Part stays on Keep-Warm until it's turned off.
The Smart-Part Programmable Module is an affordable way to teach your reliable old slow cooker some new tricks.

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Product Description:
Rival Smart-Part-

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Kitchenaid Nonstick Roaster with Fold-down Rack Review

Kitchenaid Nonstick Roaster with Fold-down RackI really liked just be carefull when someone else enter your kitchen and try to help you cleaning the roaster because people don't know how to clean and they can damaged the roaster (already happen to me!) And also the price is not bad.

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Product Description:
Extra-large roaster, 17.5" x 14", holds up to 25 pounds. Its removable, nonstick, floating rack allows for healthy cooking while the unique base allows for easy basting. The double layer reinforced, nonstick coating makes for effortless cleaning.

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Mario Batali 4-Quart Risotto and Saucier Pan, Persimmon Review

Mario Batali 4-Quart Risotto and Saucier Pan, PersimmonI got this pan in penne (ugly yellow, but it's growing on me) while it was deeply discounted. I would have liked to get a 4-6 qt dutch oven from Staub, Le Creuset or even Batali but this was relatively free.

I like the brushed brass look of the knob on the lid better than either the plastic Le Creuset or the chrome Staub. The enamel on the penne seems somewhat matte as opposed to glossy. Some may prefer this but some may think it looks cheap/unfinished. The interior enamel looks like on the Le Creuset (glossy white). One serious complaint I have is that this pan did not sit flat fresh out of the box. For glass top stoves this means uneven heating. For this reason I rated it only two stars on a scale where Le Creuset is 4 and Staub is 5. If it didn't wobble I'd give it 3.5 stars.

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Product Description:
Combining old-world charm with modern-day accents, this 4-quart saucier pan works great for braising meats, poultry, seafood, or vegetables, and, with a greater surface area, it also reduces liquids more rapidly. Its rounded sides facilitate the traditional C-shaped flipping motion, making the pan ideal for rapidly sauteing vegetables or browning small pieces of meat or poultry. The cookware's durable cast-iron construction provides exceptional heat retention, while its porcelain-enamel interior and exterior requires no seasoning, cleans easily, and comes in a variety of classic colors for a beautiful presentation on virtually any dining-room table. Self-basting spikes on the interior of the pan's close-fitting lid ensures continuous, natural basting, and the cast stainless lid knob makes for easy lid removal. Oven-safe up to 500 degrees F and safe for use on gas, electric, and ceramic-top ranges, the pan comes equipped with a long handle plus a helper handle to ensure safe transport to and from the oven. Though dishwasher-safe, washing the pan by hand is recommended for best results, and a booklet with Italian recipes from Mario Batali's cookbook, Molto Italiano, is included. The 4-quart pan measures 19-1/2 by 10 by 6-1/2 inches and carries a limited lifetime warranty.

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Mario Batali 4-Quart Essential Pot, Penne Review

Mario Batali 4-Quart Essential Pot, PenneI got this when the price temporarily dropped to $24.99. Compared to a Le Creuset or Staub, it lacks in the aesthetics department with its matte finish. However, it is heavy, attractive and so far I have found the performance good. I have not noticed any problems with crazing. Remember, with enameled cast iron you cannot use high heat or your pan, whoever manufactured it, may develop crazing (my Le Creuset did and now I've learned my lesson). For the money, this pan is well worth the investment.

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Product Description:
We've added new colors and some key pieces to help round out your Italian Kitchen. The new 4 quart essential pot is the perfect vessel soups and sauces.Durable porcelain enamel finish interior and exterior requires not seasoning and cleans easily. Self-basting spikes on the interior to the lid ensure continuous, natural basting and features a cast stainless lid knob. Excellent heat-retention for oven to tabletop use and for all types of ovens and ranges.

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Mario Batali 6-Quart Italian Enamel-on-Cast-Iron Essentials Pot, Persimmon Review

Mario Batali 6-Quart Italian Enamel-on-Cast-Iron Essentials Pot, PersimmonI received this pot for Christmas (but in the Espresso color--BEAUTIFUL) and I absolutely love it!! It provides very even, steady heat and only requires a low flame to keep its heat. The enameled coating is great. It browns beautifully with minimal sticking and the light color allows you to see the fond very well (little brown bits on the bottom of the pan). The braising spikes on the lid are a bonus as well. To my knowledge Le Creuset does not offer those on their pans. I love the size, too. It is very roomy, but not so mammoth that you cringe having to lug the pan out.And the clean up was very easy. I have always wanted a pan like this but could never afford the hefty price tag of the Le Creuset or the Staub. I am so grateful to Mario Batali for coming out with such a wonderful product at such a reasonable price. I am usually skeptical of celebrity cookware, but this one is a true gem. I can't wait to try some of his other cookware.

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Product Description:
Mario Batali6qt porcelain enamel cast iron essentials pot is a traditional and strong material, perfect for low heat cooking. Retains heat better than any material, including stainless steel and aluminum. Equal distribution of heat will eliminate hot spots, allowing you to cook the most delicate dishes. Cast stainless lid knob.16 page cookbook included. Available in persimmon.

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Mario Batali 4-Quart Essential Pot, Persimmon Review

Mario Batali 4-Quart Essential Pot, PersimmonThis 4 qt. pot is the right size to use for the No Knead Bread method and without fail the bread comes out crispy on the outside and nice and chewy with big holes on the inside.The lid has "spikes" to help retain moisture, which aids in the crispiness of the crust.It was either Mario Batali's or a Staub for me,but I'm glad I bought this over the Staub because of its everyday value and of course the price.I also use it to boil pasta and to make stews & curries because it retains heat for a long time.The handles do get hot, but if you use Kevlar gloves you should be fine if you do bake bread in it.It also sits beautifully on the stove.Buy it!

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Product Description:
A versatile performer that will be at home in any home, this 4-quart cast iron Essentials Pot in persimmon from Mario Batali is large enough to cook pastas and soups as well as roast cornish game hens and smaller cuts of meat. The pot's cast iron core guarantees even heat distribution, so your food won't burn, and it's been given a colorful durable porcelain enamel coating on both the interior and exterior that will resist stains as well as provide easy clean up. Self-basting spikes are featured on the interior of the lid, which ensures constant natural basting. The heavy lid is accented with a cast stainless steel knob, and it's further complemented by two generously sized looped handles on either side. Safe for gas, electric and ceramic-top ranges. Hand wash only.
Joining forces with Copco, a leading manufacturer of kitchenware products, famed restauranteur, cookbook author and Food Network personality Mario Batali has created The Italian Kitchen--a unique line of cast iron cookware, kitchen tools and serveware. Each item includes new features that modernize traditional cooking tools and are sure to be a help to anyone in the kitchen, from novices to the most seasoned cooks.

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Deni® Digital 5-in-1 Multi Fryer Review

Deni® Digital 5-in-1 Multi FryerThis unit can do everything - it can even bake bread! I wanted this to replace an old multi cooker I had that was very old and I no longer felt comfortable leaving it alone to slow cook.

I was impressed with the large industrial looking unit.I like stainless steel because it is easy to clean and durable.The non-stick surface is a good idea again, for easy clean up. This is a large capacity appliance that will be useful for stews, soups, sauces and other items I like to cook in a larger capacity.

I have only used it once (I've had it a week as of this writing) but it worked very well.I'm satisfied but I do have a couple of concerns.

There are screws holding the handle into the lid, that after only using once, they showed a tendency to rust. I would have thought for the price of the unit and the "industrial appearance", it would be "industrial grade" and stainless steel screws would have been used.

Another concern I have is the non-stick surface of the inner cooking pot.The instructions clearly state not to use metal utensils (we all know that metal utensils can permanently damage a non-stick surface), however the rack and the fry basket are both metal.They will most certainly come in contact with the non-stick surface while in use and, especially the rack, will abrade the surface over time. The ceramic pot in my old unit, while heavy, is still in perfect condition and really wasn't difficult to clean.I would easily trade the ceramic pot for the non-stick.(I have also heard something about Teflon causing cancer).

I received this unit as a gift as a result of being on my Amazon Wish List. I originally placed it on my Wish List because it was "the only Multi-Cooker I could find".There are now other multi-cookers available and at a cheaper price - I would probably lean towards one of those if I had it to do over again.

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Product Description:
Deni Digital 5-in-1 Multi Fryer does everything but clean up the kitchen! SAVE BIG! Kitchen cluttered with countertop appliances? Get rid of 'em! This 1600W wonder deep fries, fries, slow cooks, boils, bakes, sautes, steams, blanches... and thanks to its non-stick cooking pot, clean-up's a snap! And... I got a great deal on these, making them an even better value! Recipe for good eats: Easy touchpad controls with LCD display and function menu; Digital thermostat adjusts from 176 degrees to 375 degrees F; Digital timer up to 9 hrs., 59 mins.; Removable, die-cast, non-stick cooking pot provides even temperature distribution. Holds up to 3 lbs. of food; Chrome-plated fry basket holds up to 3 lbs. and can be raised / lowered without opening lid; Stainless steel lid retains heat and moisture and has a tempered glass window and cool-touch handle; Charcoal and oil microfilters absorb odor, grease and smoke; Steam rack separates food from the boiling water below for true steaming action and also serves as baking and cooling rack; 30" cord; 14" w. x 14 1/4" d. x 10 3/4" h. Weighs approx. 10 lbs. Add this do-it-all wonder to your kitchen... order ONLINE today! Deni Digital 5-in-1 Multi Fryer

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Mario Batali 6-Quart Italian Essentials Pot , Chianti Review

Mario Batali 6-Quart Italian Essentials Pot , ChiantiThis is a beautiful pot, with great style and color.It's just as functional as the more expensive French model, but without the high price.The white interior stains a bit, but I still like it because the white makes it easy to see changes in sauce or roux color.A wonderful addition to my kitchen!

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Product Description:
Combining old-world charm with modern-day accent, this 6-quart pot nicely accommodates hearty stew or soup, pastas, roasts, and more. The cookware's durable cast-iron construction provides exceptional heat retention, while its porcelain-enamel interior and exterior requires no seasoning, cleans easily, and comes in a variety of classic colors for a beautiful presentation on virtually any dining-room table. Self-basting spikes on the interior of the pot's close-fitting lid ensures continuous, natural basting, and its cast stainless lid knob makes for easy lid removal. Oven-safe up to 500 degrees F and safe for use on gas, electric, and ceramic-top ranges, the pot comes equipped with two looping side handles to ensure safe transport to and from the oven. Washing the pot by hand is recommended for best results, and a 16-page booklet with recipes from Mario Batali's latest cookbook, Molto Italiano, is included. The 6-quart pot measures 13 by 13 by 7 inches and carries a limited lifetime warranty.

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Mario Batali 2-Cup Essentials Pot, Chianti Review

Mario Batali 2-Cup Essentials Pot, ChiantiWe use this pot for a baked brie recipe we make as a staple appetizer for get-togethers.We loved this product so much, we bought them for our parents and included the recipe as a gift.The baked brie recipe can be found here: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Baked-Brie-with-Caramelized-Onions-1008Unlike the recipe, we use the small brie that fits perfectly in this pot, and similarly reduce the amount of the other inredients.

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Product Description:
Adding to a finished look at the table are our new personal-sized2 cup Italian Essential pot. They are the ideal size for tasting, side dishes, serving extra sauce or small meals. These coordinate wonderfully with our larger sized serving pieces. They also make a beautiful centerpiece when presented at the table.

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Mario Batali 7-1/2-Quart Soup Pot, Persimmon Review

Mario Batali 7-1/2-Quart Soup Pot, PersimmonOne of the daily deals... and boy was it .. I have been looking for on like this and the price waas right.Its much larger than expected but it is perfect.

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Product Description:
We've added new colors and some key pieces to help round out your Italian Kitchen. The new 7.5 quart cooppino and stew pot is the perfect vessel for cooking hearty stews, roast, or sauce.Durable porcelain enamel finish interior and exterior requires not seasoning and cleans easily. Self-basting spikes on the interior to the lid ensure continuous, natural basting and features a cast stainless lid knob. Excellent heat-retention for oven to tabletop use and for all types of ovens and ranges.

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Oval Crockpot, 7 Qt Review

Oval Crockpot, 7 QtI have a large family so this crock pot is a life saver. I used to have to run two crocks at a time to make a meal for us now I can fit everything into one. I plan to buy a few more of these!!

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Product Description:
Wrap around heat for even cooking with no stirring or supervision. 3-position control off/low/high. Glass lid for easy viewing. Recipe guide included.

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West Bend 53655 5-Cup Hot Pot, White Review

West Bend 53655 5-Cup Hot Pot, WhiteAs a college student I have limited access to a kitchen. I have another hotpot that I use to make soup and such, but I decided to purchase this hotpot to have a small one to heat up water for cocoa/tea/etc.I've been sorely disappointed with its performance.
1. It DOESN'T BOIL WATER.Yes, it does heat the water to a high temperature, but the water never actually boils.
2. It's EXTREMELY LOUD.The heating element makes very loud clicking sounds when it engages/dis-engages.(The way this hotpot works is to turn the heating element intermittently on and off until the highest temperature is reached.Once it's hot, the element continues to turn itself on and off-albeit less frequently than when it's in the heating process-to maintain temperature).The sound it made was so loud that it would distract me from whatever else I was doing.
3. This product DOES NOT SHUT ITSELF OFF.If you forget about it and leave it plugged in, eventually the water will evaporate and the element will be left hot.There is a danger of shorting the unit and/or starting a fire.The only way to turn it off is to unplug it.
This loud clicking noise annoyed me so much I only used the product three times.Even if it didn't make sound I wouldn't use it-- this hotpot never boiled water and without a safety-off it's a hazard.

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Product Description:
The electric hot pot is easy to use and keeps water hot as long as it is plugged in. Simply fill the container up (with no more than 5 cups of water) and plug it into a 120-volt AC outlet. In about 10 minutes water willbe suitably hot for tea and other steaming beverages or snacks.

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Butter Bell Bistro Crock with Matching Spreader, White with Green Trim and Green Spreader Review

Butter Bell Bistro Crock with Matching Spreader, White with Green Trim and Green SpreaderEveryone loves this butter keeper. Its so nice to have soft butter to put on fresh bread, and it stays nice and cool if you put the water in the keeper. Everyone should have one of these!

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Product Description:
The original Butter Bell crock keeps butter soft, delicious and spreadable for up to 30 days without refrigeration. Through the study of traditional and historical butter storage methods and hours of product development, L. Tremain, Inc. has created a line of butter crocks that are a tribute to the original French butter crock or "beurrier" (pronounced bur-e-ay). Made from durable stoneware or dolomite clays, the Butter Bell crocks will safely keep butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration, odors or spoilage. The Butter Bell's unique design enhances butter's delicate flavor, while providing a practical and decorative solution for storing and serving butter. It keeps butter at the perfect "spreading" consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. Flavor and freshness is protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock. Water should be changed out every three days and replaced with fresh, cold water. Store the crock away from heat or sunlight. To use, firmly pack softened butter into the bell-shaped lid, pour cold water into the base of the crock and place the lid upside down back into the base of the crock. In the classic tradition of dinnerware found in Parisian bistros and brasseries, Le Bistro Bell Butter Bell crock is glazed in a creamy white color with rich green banding around the edges and bottom. It features a built-in knife holder that keeps the matching green butter spreader alongside the crock for everyday enjoyment. Patented design. Dishwasher safe.

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Rival SCR503-UM-STK2 Crock Pot, 5 Qt. Review

Rival SCR503-UM-STK2 Crock Pot, 5 Qt.This 5 qt crock pot is a terrible buy. It burns everything on high and on low. It does not burn on warm but takes forever to cook. I would not recommend this product to anyone. It is a waste of money.

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Product Description:
For the most fork-tender meat and flavorful vegetables you've ever eaten, slow cooking is definitely worth the wait. Thanks to three heat settings including a convenient warm setting, your food will be warm and ready to eat hours after it's done. Afterwards, enjoy the advantage of the sleek stainless steel exterior with a rinse-clean coating that's a breeze to wash. One-year warranty.

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Butter Bell Classic Hand Painted Raised Floral Crock and Spreader Review

Butter Bell Classic Hand Painted Raised Floral Crock and SpreaderWe've had our butter bell for a couple of years now and love it.Another reviewer mentioned that the butter falls out into the bottom of the dish, but this has only happened to me once when I just wiped it out & added more butter to the already slick surface.Now, when the butter runs out, I wash it with soap and water, dry it thoroughly, then pack in more butter.It always sticks perfectly this way.It's also best if your butter isn't too soft when you pack it in.It's great to have spreadable butter on hand at all times!

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Product Description:
A practical and beautiful solution for storing and serving butter, the Butter Bell Crock keeps butter soft, delicious, and spreadable for up to 30 days without refrigeration. Modeled after the original French design, the butter crock is made from durable glazed stoneware or dolomite clays. Available in a wide array of colors, the crock can match existing dinnerware or stand on its own to add a touch of color to the table. It goes from the kitchen to the tabletop with no fuss. Butter's delicate flavor and freshness are protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock, safely keeping butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration, odors, or spoilage. It also keeps butter at the perfect "spreading" consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. To use, firmly pack one stick of softened butter into the bell-shaped lid, pour cold water into the base of the crock, and place the lid upside down back into the base of the crock. Store the crock away from heat or sunlight, and change the water in the base every two to three days. Cleaning is easy since the crock is dishwasher safe.
From the Manufacturer
Look how easy it is to use the Butter Bell crock.
1. Pour approximately 1/3 cup very cold water into the base of the crock.
2. Pack ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter into the bell-shaped lid.
3. Replace lid into the bottom of the crock. Water creates an airtight seal. The secret to fresh, creamy butter is the airtight seal.
The unique design keeps butter at the perfect "spreading" consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. Flavor and freshness are protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock.
Proper maintenance: Water should be changed out every three days. Replace existing water in the base with fresh, cold water. The crock should be stored away from heat or sunlight.
Holds up to one full stick (1/2 cup) of butter. Softened butter is packed firmly into the bell-shaped lid. Cold water is poured into the base of the crock. The lid is placed upside down back into the base of the crock. Soft, spreadable butter may be enjoyed and served right from the crock.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why does my butter keep falling into the water or turning moldy?
Though there are many reasons for this, usually once you get the hang of using your Butter Bell, these problems are easily solved. Here are some helpful hints and suggestions to try out:
• Do not allow the butter to become too soft before packing it into the bell shaped lid. The butter should be firm enough so that is not slipping off the knife before packing the lid. When the butter is slightly firmer it packs into the lid better - just use a little "elbow grease".
• When packing the butter into the bell shaped lid, make sure you press the butter firmly into the lid, removing all air pockets. Air pockets within the butter create a suction affect when the lid is removed from the water, pulling the butter out of the lid.
• When using your Butter Bell, do not let the "Bell" sit out of the crock base for extended periods of time.
• After each use, check the remaining butter in lid to ensure there aren't any air pockets. Use your knife to redistribute the remaining butter within the lid for better adherence tension.
• Make sure that the Butter Bell is stored away from sunlight and heat. For instance, do not store on a counter near a stove/oven or in a window sill.
• Use the coldest water possible when adding water in the base of the crock. Perhaps add a few small, smashed ice cubes if you live in a very warm climate. Make sure you're changing the water every 3 days. This step ensures fresher butter for longer periods of time.
• Wash thoroughly between uses.
Is the Butter Bell dishwasher safe?
Yes, the Butter Bell is dishwasher safe.
Where is the Butter Bell made and is it safe?
The Butter Bell crocks are made in China, by a top manufacturer of ceramic products. The crocks are made from the highest quality materials and are completely safe, meeting FDA food safety regulatory standards. Each production run of product is tested thoroughly for lead and cadmium levels. Documentation accompanies each shipment, which is submitted to US Customs and the FDA for clearance approval.
Why does my Butter Bell have fine black lines in it?
These fine black lines are called "crazing." This is a normal wear and tear for ceramic products, and happens to plates, dishes, and mugs as well. It will not harm the butter. It is a result of scraping the knife along the sides the bell to get the butter out, as well as dishwashing in very hot water.
Can I use margarine (or other spreads) in the Butter Bell?
The Butter Bell works best when real butter is used. Margarine does not have a spreadability problem. Also, margarines are "oilier" and will not stay in the lid very easily. It is not recommended to store other processed spreads in the Butter Bell. Processed spreads (i.e. - cream cheese) need refrigeration to stay fresh for extended periods of time. You can use the Butter Bell for special spreads if you do not plan to store it in the Butter Bell. For example, the Butter Bell might make a great serving piece at an evening dinner party for a special dip or spread that you create.
Can I use whipped butter in the Butter Bell?
Whipped butter is less dense than regular butter. It contains tiny air pockets (hence the fluffiness) which causes the butter to fall into the water. It is not recommended. As well, Ghee or Clarified butters are not recommended for use in the Butter Bell.
Can I store herbal butters in the Butter Bell?
Herbal butters are fine to serve and store in your Butter Bell, however they will not stay fresh as long as pure butter. Butters that contain fresh herbs will stay fresh approximately 5 to 7 days in the Butter Bell. This can vary somewhat so use your best judgment before use.

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CucinaPro 280-01 3-in-1 Cooker Review

CucinaPro 280-01 3-in-1 CookerI don't deep fry alot but I do slow cook and steam a bunch. This thing does it all. Easy to use and kind of fun.

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Product Description:
Features:Stainless steel with dials for function and temperature.Interior parts can be hand washed.12Hx11Wx10.25L".Slow cooker: 4 quarts, 300 watts.Deep fryer: 1. 5 quarts, 1000 watts.Steamer.

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Thermos Nissan Cook N' Carry Review

Thermos Nissan Cook N' CarryWhat a great idea! I've been using one for sometime now and I'm amazed at what it can be used for and how great things taste when cooked with.It's a must have item for your kitchen and more! Here's a similar model: Thermos Thermal Cooker RPC4500 4.5L Thermo Pot I also found some great info, recipes and demonstrations on using a thermal cooker at this weblog:
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Product Description:
Features:Non-slip, scratch-resistant base.Unbreakable stainless steel interior and exterior.Double wall vacuum insulation for maximum temperature retention.Energy efficient clad stainless steel inner pot for cooking.Cool to the touch with hot foods.Bail handle for easy portability.Capacity: 4.7 qt/4.5 L.

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Rival SCR503-UM-STK2 Crock Pot, 5 Qt. Review

Rival SCR503-UM-STK2 Crock Pot, 5 Qt.We bought this crockpot at Home Depot last year, for 19.99. I have used it constantly, for many different meals, and always on low. It has, without fail, overcooked everything in sight! My friend, who had one of these, warned me about this, and I thought, whatever! but she was right. I have never had a crockpot that boils everything vigorously on LOW! The lid rattles constantly during cooking, because of the boil. Take it from 2 people, this crockpot you cannot leave and come home to,or you will have a dried out burned meal like we have. We're having to spend the $ to buy another one, cause we're finally fed up with this one.

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Product Description:
For the most fork-tender meat and flavorful vegetables you've ever eaten, slow cooking is definitely worth the wait. Thanks to three heat settings including a convenient warm setting, your food will be warm and ready to eat hours after it's done. Afterwards, enjoy the advantage of the sleek stainless steel exterior with a rinse-clean coating that's a breeze to wash. One-year warranty.

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National Presto 06000 Presto Kitchen Kettle Electric Multi-Cooker And Steamer Review

National Presto 06000 Presto Kitchen Kettle Electric Multi-Cooker And SteamerI received this cooker as a gift and was extremely pleased with it.I made a variety of different dishes.Uses include making delicate as well as hearty sauces, steaming, boiling water for noodles, an even deep frying.It has a greater capacity and greater ease of use than a Fry Daddy.The non-stick interior and exterior makes for quick clean up and the fact that it is fully submerssible (sp?) is a nice convenience.


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Product Description:
This handy multi cooker roasts, braises, blanches, boils, stews, simmers, steams, and makes casseroles. It easily accommodates roasts, ham, and poultry. Accurate cooking temperature is maintained with the Control Master heat control. Heavy cast aluminum c

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Tiger NFA-B800 8 Liter Magic Thermal Cooker Review

Tiger NFA-B800 8 Liter Magic Thermal CookerMy mother has happily used her Tiger Thermal Magic Cooker (the 4.5-liter size) for several years now, and I found myself using it whenever I visited her house, so I finally caved and bought two: the 8-liter and the 4.5-liter.I am very pleased with these. I make everything from chilis, goulash, and other stews and braises to simple chicken soup, baked beans, and even rice pudding, to name just a few. I just bring the foods in the covered inner pot to a boil on the stovetop, place the pot in the outer container, close the lid, and leave it. It cooks solely with the heat in the pot, so there's no other energy-use -- very economical and ecological. I can leave the house, even, and safely be cooking; I love the freedom. Unlike a slowcooker, there's no heating element to burn the bottom of the pot, to draw electricity, to worry about. And I can't believe how long foods stay safely warm in these cookers; it's still warm the next day! Clean-up is simple, too. The initial cost is not low, but you'll easily recoup the cost in energy-savings.

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Product Description:
Features:8 liter capacity.Makes cooking easy and enjoyable.Boil ingredients in the inner pot over a flame.After boiling, place the entire inner pot into the outer pot.The outer pot's vacuum stainless steel construction maintains the high temperature of the inner pot for slow cooking, easily cooking foods that require low heat.

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Crock-Pot 5.5-qt. Oval Crock Pot with Mini Warmer Review

Crock-Pot 5.5-qt. Oval Crock Pot with Mini WarmerAmazon sells this crock pot through Target/ITC.I bought it at a local Target store for the same price.

Didn't want to pay a lot for a crock pot because we'll use it infrequently.Wife says Rival is best.I went with the wife's recommendation.

When I got home, I was sad to see that Rival is part of "The Holmes Group."I've sworn off Holmes' products because of their ventilation fans whereby they charge you money to get a warranty replacement and it's rigged so the charge plus shipping is the same amount as a new fan.Essentially, this means, their warranty is not only worthless but it is a scam.

I don't know if warranty will be handled in a similarly dismal fashion should we have problems with this Rival crock pot.Nevertheless, wife wants a basic Rival crock pot so I'll give in and accept a "Holmes" product this one time for her sake.

We've used it only once so far.I will say the lid fits tightly and doesn't have a gasket because it doesn't seem to need one.I had a 4 pound roast + 1.5 quarts of liquids in the thing and over a 10 hour cook cycle, the liquid level only dropped about 1/8 of an inch.I think it's important that a crock pot hold moisture in.This one seems to do it well.

Cooking on low for 10 hours, the liquids just barely bubbled slightly as the food barely simmered--just as I expected.So, I'd have to say it seems to maintain temperature accurately.

This crock pot has just a good old reliable off/warm/low/high switch.I avoided Rival's digital models.Some Rival digital models don't allow much actual temperature control--like you can't manually switch from a cook temp to a keep warm temp.It's all forced upon you when you choose a cooking time.Rival has another digital model called the "countdown timer" and this seemed like a good thing until I asked about what happens during a power outage.Know what happens?It shuts down.So, with Rival's digital models, if your power blips off for a few seconds while you're gone for the day, you might come home to rotten uncooked food.Here at our house, we have such power blips about 10 to 15 times per year. I have a bread maker that I use frequently.It has no provision to cope with power outages.If the power blips off a few seconds, the cycle stops and the bread is ruined.There's no way to set it so that it restarts where it left off.It has to restart from the beginning.I have sworn I won't get another digital cooking appliance that is going to go dead due to a momentary power outage.So, this basic crock pot with its good old standard rotary off/warm/low/high switch is totally immune to power blips.It will just go back to work when the power comes back on.

I heard a "crack" sound after about 4 hours.I was afraid I suffered ceramic crock damage as many people seem to complain about.Most cracks seem to be in the Kitchen Aid and Hamilton Beach product reviews.Nevertheless, I thought I was a victim.It was a loud crack sound.Really was.But, I've examined the crockery insert (liner) and it seems to be unharmed.Don't know what the noise was.Maybe there's a practically invisible hariline crack that will become more readily apparent later on.I'll watch closely and post back if that's the case.Maybe the cracking sound only indicated the relief of some benign stressors inherent in the stamped metal housing?

Like I say, I'll post if there's a crock defect that shows up later on.The crockery liner is so heavy, it would cost a lot to ship it back to Rival if they demanded such in a warranty claim.It's so heavy, I'll bet it would cost at least 3/4 as much as an entirely new crock pot just to ship the broken liner to Rival.Reports are that Kitchen Aid covers the entire cost of replacements for defective crockery liners.I hope Rival will do the same and I hope they don't resort to flim-flam warranty scams like they do with their Holmes ventilation fans.

So, this model is a basic crock pot with a basic switch and I presume it utilizes the basic bi-metal thermostat design that is common in lots of appliances.Therefore, unless the Chinese factories really screwed things up, this Rival crock pot should last as long as those old Rival crock pots that seem to have favorably impressed my wife.

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Product Description:
SLOW COOKER, 5.5QT OVAL MANUAL WHITE

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Aroma ARC7171G 14- Cup Rice Cooker & Food Steamer Review

Aroma ARC7171G 14- Cup Rice Cooker & Food SteamerEven though I felt the low price on this cooker was suspect, I thought I would give it a chance.I wasn't expecting it to last long or work well - boy was I wrong!!I have used it several times a week for going on three years now, and it's still working flawlessly - try to say that about, well, probably any other small applicance in your entire kitchen.

Everyone should have a rice-cooker - they're great time-savers, not to mention meal-savers.Even people who can't boil water can make perfect rice every time.

The reasons I love my Aroma cooker in particular are:

1) It makes much less mess than others I've used (rice cookers tend to blurble starchy water around the rim while cooking, but the heavy glass lid of the Aroma, and the vent hole, keep it from spattering the counter)
2) It shuts off automatically when it's done cooking, regardless of the type of rice used (I still have no idea how it "knows" there's brown rice that needs a longer cooking time in there, as opposed to jasmine rice which cooks faster - but it does!)
3) It keeps the rice warm for hours if necessary without burning on the bottom or drying out
4) The inner pot lifts out easily to clean.

If I ever have to replace this little workhorse, I'll definitely replace it with another Aroma.(I hope by then they make one in red!)


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Product Description:
5-in-1 Multi-cooker Cooks food and rice simultaneously Steams fish, meat, poultry, and vegetables Makes stews and homemade soups Keeps food warm Contemporary design Hard-alloy aluminum cooking pot Automatic heating& warming system. One-touch operation. Includes measuring cup, rice paddle, and instruction manual

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Presto Quick Burger Hamburger Maker Review

Presto Quick Burger Hamburger MakerI really like it. I haved cooked eggs and small steaks and hambugers on it. It cooks really fast, and there's very little clean up. It comes in hand for a fast meal just for me to eat. At first when I cooked a hambuger on it I forgot to spreay it with oil and my hambuger stuck to the drain pan. I made the mistake of turning it upside down and water and greasse went everywhere lol. I am trying not to make that mistake again. I highly recomend this hambuger maker.

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Product Description:
Presto 05511 Quick Burger 400-Watt Nonstick Hamburger Cooker Broil an extra-juicy quarter-pound hamburger in just two to three minutes with this easy-to-use countertop appliance. The unit broils instead of fries for healthier cooking, plus it supplies a drip pan for catching run-off grease, which helps further reduce calories and fat content. For added convenience, the cover locks in place to prevent splatters, or it can be removed for use as a flat grilling surface--perfect for fried or scrambled eggs. The hamburger maker also provides a nonstick cooking surface to ensure effortless food release. When finished, its removable cooking tray cleans up quickly by hand or in the dishwasher, and the cover can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

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