Product Reviews

Best Dutch Ovens: A Buying Guide

Too often the dutch oven is overlooked when it comes time to buying the essential pieces of cookware needed in a kitchen. This amazing, multi-purpose pot should be a cornerstone piece when you are getting ready to stock your kitchen. Many buyers look at cookware sets that have two frying pans, two pots of differing size and one big kettle-like pot that is often called a dutch oven. While that is fine for a starter cookware set a serious cook wants a serious dutch oven, not a big pasta pot.

What The Heck Is A Dutch Oven?

Costing about the same as a decent pair of jeans, a dutch oven is at its core a heavy, thick walled cooking pot with a very tight lid. These pots have been used for hundreds of years for all types of cooking and can be made of cast iron, stone, ceramic or aluminum. Some English speaking countries call them casserole dishes because casserole means pot in French, but the basic construction is the same. Modern materials have allowed dutch ovens to be constructed with different metals that can be enameled, but whatever material is used, it must by durable.

Americans have a long history with dutch ovens and the most common material has been cast iron. Revolutionary war hero Paul Revere is credited with adding legs to the pot, allowing it to stand up among the coals and eliminating the need for a hook to dangle the oven above the fire. Old West lore has the dutch oven being used at campsites for everything from beans to stews to making homemade hooch for the cowboys. A dutch oven truly is a versatile kitchen tool.

Campers have used dutch ovens for years. Cast iron pots don’t require soap and water for cleaning, you simply wipe out the pot with grit and a towel (real naturalists use leaves). Because cast iron holds heat so well and for so long, cooks at a campsite can leave food in the oven and let it cook in its own juices. The results can be spectacular and most dishes are simple to assemble.

Using A Dutch Oven

Most dutch ovens will require some seasoning, especially if they are made from cast iron. The best way to season a new oven is to fill it with boiling water and wash and rinse thoroughly. Dry completely and let it set for a couple of hours. Coat the inside of the pot (and the inside of the lid) lightly with vegetable oil. Set the oven upside down on a baking sheet and put into a 500 degree oven for about an hour. Let cool completely and then store in a cupboard that has good air circulation. Oil can get rancid if it is in a tight, airless cabinet. Don’t put the lid on the pot, set it aside or angle it on the pot so that air can circulate.

Cleaning a cast iron dutch oven is simple but more time consuming. You can’t put cast iron in a dishwasher and you generally don’t want to use harsh soap. Wash out the pot with very warm (not hot) water. You can use a little gentle dish soap if there are spots that need deep cleaning but a well seasoned pot will release most stuck on foods. You don’t need to re-oil your dutch oven after every cleaning, but it pays to keep it seasoned.

Enameled metal dutch ovens don’t need to be seasoned and they can be cleaned with soap and water. You may find that metal dutch ovens don’t hold heat quite as well as cast iron.

Cooking With A Dutch Oven

Dutch ovens are amazingly adaptable to just about any food that can be cooked in a traditional oven. They are very well suited to long cooking periods and are excellent for foods that require slow cooking. Stews and soups are naturals for a dutch oven, as are recipes that call for slow roasting meats in liquids. Casseroles are naturals for a dutch oven and there is an entire industry based on desserts that can be created in a dutch oven.

Don’t overlook other dishes that you can prepare with a dutch oven. There are many excellent bread recipes that turn out wonderful treats using this utensil. Hot cereals taste better from a dutch oven and you can prepare an entire breakfast using this wonderful kitchen utensil.

Lodge 6 Quart Enamel Ceramic

Ceramic Surface: Yes

Large Capacity: Yes

Cast Iron Core: Yes

Assorted Colors: Yes

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Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron

Ceramic Surface: No

Large Capacity: No

Cast Iron Core: Yes

Assorted Colors: No

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Crock Pot 7 Quart Artisan

Ceramic Surface: Yes

Large Capacity: Yes

Cast Iron Core: Yes

Assorted Colors: No

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Le Cresuet 5.25 Quart Marseille

Ceramic Surface: Yes

Large Capacity: No

Cast Iron Core: Yes

Assorted Colors: No

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The Top Dutch Ovens

#1 The Lodge 6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Lodge has been an industry leader in cast iron kitchen utensils for years and this very well made enameled cast iron dutch oven continues in that tradition. The construction of this pot is unique. Not only is it made from cast iron, it also has a porcelain enameled finish, giving the pot an extra level of strength and heat control. The porcelain enamel finishing is a type of glass bonding on top of the cast iron. This forms an exceptionally strong surface that resists almost all problems that can come from cooking long periods of time at high heats.

This dutch oven works very well on the stove top for braising, frying or sauteing. You can also use it in the oven for roasting or baking, the surface can handle any type of heat and ingredient without having harmful reactions. Cooking foods heavy in acids can be a problem for some materials but not this oven.

Product Features

This pot has a capacity of 6 quarts, a generous size that will handle almost any recipe. At 10 3/4″ wide and 4 1/2″ deep its dimensions are fairly standard for most dutch ovens.

The lid fits very tightly and has a good sized grab knob. The bottom of the pot is flat, making it easy to use your dutch oven for browning meats or stirring stews on a burner on your stove top.

Advantages:

-Very well made. The cast iron is solid and durable and the porcelain enamel finish gives that surface a smooth texture that is easy to clean.

-Great colors available. Because of the enamel finish the colors are bright, even after many uses in the oven.

-Tight fitting lid. This is a plus when you want the pot sealed and liquids kept in the oven. Some lids are loose, steam escapes and the results are unappetizing.

Disadvantages:

-Harsh detergents can scratch the enameled finish. Cast iron is practically bulletproof but when you add an enamel finish you can add chips.

-Not made in the USA. Most Lodge cast iron pieces are made in America but this product comes from China.

#2 Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This dutch oven is a classic, a throwback to the type of cooking pots that our ancestors used. It’s basic, it’s durable, it’s indestructible and will last longer than you thought a kitchen pot could possibly last.

Everything about this dutch oven screams tradition. Lodge is a premier American manufacturer of cast iron kitchen utensils and this classic pot is their all-time best selling unit. It’s pre-seasoned at the the factory, meaning that you just need to rinse it out with warm water and you are ready to start cooking some fabulous food memories.

Product Features

Solid and extremely sturdy, this is a heavy duty cooking tool that will be able to handle just about any dish that you want to try. 5 quart is not the largest sized dutch oven available but it is sufficient to handle most dishes, including a good sized roast. At 10 1/3″ in diameter and 4 1/2″ high this pot is of typical dimensions.

Advantages

-Heavy duty cast iron with no chemicals added to the material.

-Seasoned at the factory with vegetable oil. You should still wash and season again before the first use but a good seasoning is already on the surface.

-Made in the USA. Lodge makes most of their cast iron products in Tennessee.

-A tight fitting lid. This is important. Lighter weight materials can warp, leading to a loose lid and a poorly sealed oven.

Disadvantages

-Only 5 quart capacity. Other dutch ovens are 6 or even 7 quart capacity. This may be a bit small for an over sized piece of meat or a large recipe.

-The lid is very heavy. Granted, it’s made with cast iron but you need to make sure you have a solid grip when you remove the lid.

#3 Crock Pot 7 Quart Artisan Dutch Oven

Best known for their iconic Crock Pot slow cooker, The folks at Crock Pot began making heavy duty cooking pots like this excellent dutch oven, with very good results. Made with heavy duty cast iron, the oven is then glazed on the outside for a beautiful color and treated on the inside and the lid with a non-stick surface that makes clean up easy.

Crock Pot calls their lid a self-basting lid. It’s a fancy way of saying that the lid is very tight, creating a nice seal and keeping moisture in the oven while you are cooking or roasting foods. The oversized handles on the side make it easy to left the pot out of the oven or move on the stove top. 7 quarts is a very generous size, you will be able to create just about any dish in a dutch oven this size.

Product Features

Starting with the rust free, sturdy and rugged cast iron, everything about this dutch oven says durability and quality. The inside of the pot is treated with a strong non-stick surface which makes cleaning up even the messiest of dishes quite easy. You can’t put this in the dishwasher, it still needs to be hand washed, but the clean up is faster than a basic cast iron pot will offer.

Advantages

-A full 7 quart capacity. Yes, it’s a larger dutch oven than others and may take up a bit more room but that extra capacity will come in handy.

-Treated with a durable non-stick surface. While the oven itself is cast iron, it does have a surface treatment that makes clean up much easier.

-Oversized handles on the pot. Again, this unit is larger than some others but you will really appreciate the large side handles whenever you need to move a hot dutch oven.

Disadvantages

-The ceramic coating will always be prone to chipping. If you take good care of the oven it will be fine but ceramic can chip.

-The lid is also ceramic coated and can chip. Lids get dropped all of the time, you may find a nick or two on the underside of the lid.

#4 Le Cresuet 5.25 Marseille Dutch Oven

This outstanding, yet expensive, dutch oven by Le Creuset has to be considered the royalty of kitchen utensils. Le Creuset was the first commercial company to make ceramic coated cast iron cookware almost 100 years ago and they have a well deserved reputation for exceptional quality and outstanding design.

Although this dutch oven is a bit smaller in size at 5.25 quarts, it is deeper than some other pots. This make it easier when you are frying foods, the taller sides help keep splatters down to a minimum. The lid is domed shape and is engineered to help keep liquids and steam in the pot.

Product Features

Durable cast iron forms the skeleton of this dutch oven, then Le Creuset adds a tough and durable ceramic finish to the entire unit. The interior enamel is treated to avoid staining or discoloring, a common problem with ceramic enamel surfaces. While the discoloration doesn’t effect the flavor of the food being prepared it does make the pot look old. A signature design feature of most Le Creuset cookware pieces are the large, rounded handles and these are very evident with this pot.

Advantages

-Le Creuset. The name itself brings up a sense of high quality and cooking excellence.

-Ceramic enamel coating on cast iron. The outside is a distinctive blue and the inside surface stays light and stain free.

-The signature wide side handles look nice and, more importantly, are very helpful for moving the dutch oven.

Disadvantages

-Price. Le Creuset is a premium brand name and you will pay a premium price for this dutch oven.

-Capacity. 5.25 quarts is on the small side and can limit what can be prepared in this pot.

-Only rated to 375 degrees. This is enough for most recipes but sometimes you need to be at 400 degrees.

Best Dutch Oven Buying Guide

Should you have a dutch oven in your kitchen? Absolutely! Should it be cast iron? Yes, but there are other options that may be cheaper. There are some aluminum dutch ovens that are also used as pasta pots that are versatile and inexpensive. You won’t be able to use them for recipes that call for long, slow cooking periods in the oven but they will work fine for making soups or stews on the stove top.

Prices for a good quality cast iron dutch oven will range from an average of around $40 to a top-end premium price of $200. There are some quality differences at each price level but at the core you are buying a cast iron 5 or 6 quart pot with a lid. It’s easy to find a good quality cast iron dutch oven for $40 and a ceramic coated cast iron oven for $65.

What Utensils Should You Use?

Never use steel or aluminum utensils with a cast iron or ceramic coated cast iron dutch oven. It’s easy to grab an wire whisk to give the pot a quick stir but that light aluminum can cause some serious damage to the surface.

There are arguments for both wooded utensils and silicone coated utensils. The arguments tend to come down to personal preferences, both are fine for cast iron. Wooden utensils require seasoning and are usually hand washed while silicone is easy to clean and can be tossed into the dishwasher. There are some plastic utensils available but these are best avoided. They shred and can leave bits of plastic in the bottom of the pot.

Will A Dutch Oven Rust?

Rust is an enemy of cast iron and it can show itself on your dutch oven. It is often the result of putting the pot in a cabinet while it is still damp and the cabinet is airtight. Don’t panic, the pan is not ruined. Simply rub the rust off, wash with warm water (you can use a bit of soap but it’s not necessary) and season again. If there is a lot of rust use some steel wool to gently sand the rust away. Wash and season and you are ready to cook again.

Best Cast Iron Frying Pans: A Buying Guide And Review

Have you ever used a cast iron frying pan? Do you remember cast iron frying pans? Once, everyone had them and used them for all types of everyday cooking. Then aluminum and lightweight steel arrived, plus Teflon, and cast iron was tossed, well, on the scrap heap. However, in the last few years there has been a renaissance of thinking and cast iron frying pans are considered a must for a modern kitchen.

What Is Cast Iron?

Cast iron has been around for centuries and has been used for cooking just about that long. The process for making cast iron hasn’t really changed, it’s only more mechanized. Cast iron is made by blending steel and iron. The material is melted and certain chemicals are added to increase the carbon level. The molten material is poured into a mold and cooled. Once the metal has cooled, the mold is broken and the pan is smoothed to make it ready for cooking.

Just think about how durable this material is. Iron and steel, two of the strongest materials on earth. Part of the resurgence in interest is because cast iron will last a long, long time. It used to be common to have pans passed down from generation to generation. Except for an occasional outbreak of rust (which can be treated) the pans never failed.

Recently there have been some health concerns about different types of materials being used in modern cookware. Teflon and other non-stick treatments are being studied for any long term affects for ingesting the product (yes, you may have actually eaten Teflon). Anodized aluminum is known to give off emissions at high heat and copper cookware has been linked, unofficially, with certain heavy metal issues.

Seasoning A Cast Iron Pan

You have probably heard the phrase “seasoning the pan” when you have looked at cast iron. Seasoning is quite simple but quite necessary for the successful use of cast iron. Even if you have purchased an already seasoned pan, it never hurts to give it any treatment.

First, wipe the pan clean and make sure the inside is perfectly dry. Next, soak some paper towel with vegetable oil and wipe every inch of surface inside the pan. Don’t miss any spots, you will end up with areas that are constantly having food stick to it.

Last, place the pan upside down on a baking sheet and place on the highest rack in your oven. Set the oven at 500 degrees and leave the pan in for one hour. After it has cooled, wipe down the inside again with a very light coat of oil. You have just seasoned your pan an it is ready to be used or stored.

The Top Cast Iron Frying Pans

Lodge 10" Skillet

Pre-Seasoned: Yes

Assist Handle: Yes

Good Pan Depth: Yes

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Amazon 15" Skillet

Pre-Seasoned: Yes

Assist Handle: Yes

Good Pan Depth: Yes

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Victoria 12" Skillet

Pre-Seasoned: Yes

Assist Handle: Yes

Good Pan Depth: No

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#1 The Lodge Pre-seasoned Skillet.

This made in the USA skillet is sturdy, durable and has the addition of an assist handle that we really like. At 10.25″ it is the perfect size for cooking meats such as burgers or steak. It’s also a good size for breakfast cooking, you have room for eggs and bacon in the same pan. It’s pre-seasoned and ready to use.

One thing to check when buying a pre-seasoned skillet is to find out what is used for the seasoning. Some manufacturers take a short cut and use a chemical spray. Lodge uses vegetable oil and avoids any artificial sprays. You will be able to make almost any recipe using this great skillet.

Product Features

Not only is this skillet a full 10 1/4″ in diameter, it is a full 2″ deep. That’s a good depth for frying foods in oil, you can get the food into the skillet and the oil is deep enough to cook all around the food.

We really like the assist handle. An assist handle is the small grip across from the regular handle. You will be surprised at how often you use this. It’s great for lifting the skillet from the stove to the table or when taking the skillet out of the oven.

Advantages

-Made in the USA. Lodge is a family run business.

-Pre seasoned with vegetable oil. You might want to season it again before using but it is ready to go out of the box.

-A well designed handle. It’s long enough to keep your hand away from the flame but not so long that the balance is bad.

-The assist handle is a great feature.

Disadvantages

-No lid. A lid is available but has to be purchased separately.

-Pre seasoning may be erratic. Again, it’s always a good idea to season any pan.

#2 Amazon Basics 15″ Cast Iron Skillet

This large, pre seasoned cast iron skillet is part of the Amazon Basics collection. It’s extremely well made, has both an assist handle and pour lips and is over 2″ deep.

At 15″ this is a very large skillet. If you are just looking to make a couple of eggs you may find this to be too large and heavy. However, if you are making 4-5 burgers or a couple of steaks, this is a great sized skillet.

Product Features

Another sturdy, durable cast iron pan. With a 2″ depth you can deep fry most foods quite easily. The pour lips are useful for those times that you need to pour out a liquid and the assist handle is solid.

Advantages

-15″ diameter allows for cooking of most any type of food.

-An assist handle as well as pour lips on both sides of the skillet.

-Pre seasoned at the factory.

Disadvantages

-No lid. 15″ lids can be found but it requires a separate purchase.

-Some buyers have complained that the seasoning is uneven. It’s always recommended that you season the pan before using.

-It’s heavy. It is a 15″ skillet so it is large. It will weight close to 9 pounds.

#3 The Victoria 12″ Cast Iron Frying Pan

A different sized pan, this heavy duty 12″ frying pan is rated safe to 500 degrees. Most people will never cook anything for any length of time at that temperature but this pan is tough enough to handle high heats.

One of the unique features of this cast iron frying pan is that it is seasoned with 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil. No artificial sprays or treatments, the company uses a safe, natural oil that is a good seasoning ingredient for cast iron.

At 12″ this pan is between a skillet and a frying pan (descriptions always vary when discussing diameters of pans). It’s a perfectly sized pan for most cooking and the handle design is outstanding. The balance is perfect and this pan is easy to handle, even when filled with food.

Advantages

-Seasoning is done with non-GMO flaxseed oil.

-This pan has an assist handle as well as 2 pour lips for convenience.

-An extremely well designed handle. Even though this pan weights 6 pounds it is very easy to handle.

Disadvantages

-Again, no lid. Glass lids are supposed to be available within the next year.

-While seasoned with flaxseed oil, some customers report that the coverage is erratic.

-Not quite as deep (under 2″) as some other frying pans.

Best Cast Iron Frying Pans Buying Guide

Should you buy a cast iron pan? The short answer is yes. They are inexpensive, easy to use and last forever. The longer answer is still yes but there is a bit more work involved with cast iron as opposed to other cookware made with different materials.

Kitchen Utensils

No matter what you hear, never use metal utensils with a cast iron pan. There are some who claim that they have been using a metal turner or pancake flipper with no problems. Ignore them. You can gouge the pan easily using metal tools.

For best results with cast iron cooking you should always use wooden or silicone rubber kitchen utensils. They may take a bit more work when it comes to scraping your pan but in the long run your pan will be much better for the effort.

Cleaning

No dishwasher for you cast iron pan. Ever. Never, ever, ever. Warm water and an occasional drop of dish washing soap will take care of your pan.

The best way to clean cast iron is to wipe it clean. We have become so germophobic that some people shudder at the thought of not putting a cooking tool into a 300 degree dishwasher and using a pound of disinfectant. Your pan will be clean and safe to use with a thorough wiping and a quick rinse with warm water.

Rust

It’s cast iron, it might rust. Don’t panic, a bit of rust doesn’t mean the pan is worthless. If it is just a flake or two, wipe the rust off and season the pan again. If there is a lot of rust, get some steel wool and rub the rust off. Season the pan and you are ready to cook.

We really like cooking with cast iron and, even though it takes a bit more work, the results are fantastic. Just make sure to take good care of your new (or old) cast iron pan and it will take care of you for years.

Best Kitchen Blenders: A Buying Guide

If you have been looking at getting a new blender for your kitchen, you have probably been overwhelmed with the number available. Blenders are one of the most popular kitchen appliances and there are hundreds of models to chose from. This guide will help you narrow down your search for this great kitchen tool.

What’s the difference between a blender and a food processor? Both have some similar functions although each handles different tasks. A blender is generally used for liquids. If you are making a smoothie or a malt, a blender is perfect. A food processor will handle a smoothie but is better suited for heavier tasks. If you need to chop foods, especially dense, solid foods, then a food processor is best for you. We are going to concentrate on blenders.

The 5 Best Blenders

Ninja Professional

Multiple Blades: Yes

Glass Mixing Jar: No

64 Oz Or Larger Mixing Jar: Yes

1000 Watt Or More Motor: Yes

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NutriBullet

Multiple Blades: No

64 Oz Or Larger Jar: No

Glass Mixing Jar: No

1000 Watt Or More Motor: No

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Oster 1200 Pro

Multiple Blades: Yes

64 Oz Or Larger Mixing Jar: Yes

Glass Mixing Jar: Yes

1000 Watt Or More Motor: Yes

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Hamilton Beach

Multiple Blades: Yes

64 Oz Or Larger Mixing Jar: No

Glass Mixing Jar: Yes

1000 Watt Or More Motor: No

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KitchenAid 5 Speed

Multiple Blades: Yes

64 Oz Or Larger Mixing Jar: No

Glass Mixing Jar: No

1000 Watt Or More Motor: No

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#1. Ninja 72 Ounce Professional Blender

This outstanding blender is our #1 pick for kitchen blenders. It is a powerful unit designed to handle tough blending and chopping tasks with ease. At less than $100 (and often on sale at Amazon) this blender is a tremendous value. It’s sturdy construction means it will be in your kitchen for many years.

The first thing you notice about this blender is the large mixing jar. At 72 ounces it is larger than most and the size allows you to mix some large recipes. The plastic is heavy duty and has measurement markings that are easy to read. The whole unit has a sleek design and will look great on your countertop.

Product Features

Besides the large mixing jar the Ninja blender has a powerful 1000 watt motor. Even though you probably won’t be using this for chopping coarse, dense vegetables, the motor is strong enough to power through most food items.

The blade assembly is very interesting. It is a 6 blade package which means that the mixing is done very thoroughly and quickly. All 6 blades work together to give you a well mixed drink, soup or sauce. It’s also great for chopping ice on those wickedly hot days.

Advantages:

-There are 4 programmed settings that are very handy. These automatic programs will cover a large share of your mixing needs. There are also 4 manual settings that are easy to use.

-The plastic mixing jar goes into the dishwasher, making clean up a breeze. The blades wipe down nicely and the base is quite easy to clean.

-The motor is strong enough to handle vegetables, even very hard veggies. It can do the job of most food processors.

-A 25 page recipe book is included. This book has some fun recipes for smoothies, drinks and soups that you will want to try.

Disadvantages:

-You need to watch what speed you use to mix smoothies. The settings can be too high and you end up with froth.

-If not on sale, the $100 price tag is okay but not great.

#2 NutriBullet 12 Piece Blender

A combination juicer and blender, the NutriBullet is our #2 pick for best blender. It’s extremely price competitive and this is a 12 piece package, making it an even better deal.

We love the sleek, modern design of this blender. The base is tapered with an easy to use control pad. While the motor is smaller than the Ninja Professional, it is large enough to handle most fruits and vegetables. You receive 2 different blades with this set, as well as 2 different sized mixing cups. If you are looking for a unit to makes smoothies with, you will love the NutriBullet.

Product Features

This is a 12 piece set and includes the base, 2 blades, 3 mixing cups, a recipe book, 2 lids, 2 cup rings and a nutrition guide. The motor is 600 watts and feels strong, even when mixing veggies. The nutrition guide is a great addition for those who are looking to add vitamins and minerals into their diets. 2 cup lids are included, they turned out to be very handy. After making a large smoothie you can drink some now and refrigerate the rest.

The prices is definitely a benefit. This set up is usually under $60 and is often on sale for $49.99. Being a 12 piece set makes this a good value.

Advantages

-You are getting a 12 piece set for the price, making this a great deal. Having 3 different mixing cups is extremely useful, you can swap out cups when you are making different drinks.

-The motor and blades are well designed and do a good job of chopping, mixing and pulverizing. I never had a problem with too much froth when mixing smoothies. Too much froth means you are adding too much air into your mix.

-The design is very space age and slick. You will find that it looks very good on the counter and doesn’t take up too much space.

-The cups and lids go right into the dishwasher. The rest of the unit was very easy to clean.

Disadvantages

-All three mixing cups are small. The tall cup is 32 ounces (it holds 28 ounces of liquid) and the 2 short cups are 24 ounces (holding 18 ounces of liquid). This can require you to make a couple of batches instead of one big batch.

-The motor is only 600 watts. While this is enough to chop and pulverize fruits and most vegetables it may be too small for some of your chopping needs.

#3 Oster Pro Blender 1200

I really like this blender! I have 3 different Oster appliances in my kitchen and I am always amazed at how well built they are. My convection oven is used all the time and is still working like new. I have an Oster electric griddle that has become a staple in my kitchen and now I have this blender.

Oster has made this blender with a steel base, one of the few steel based blenders on the market. Not only does it feel more solid but it is easy to clean and won’t crack with extended heavy use. Brushed nickel feels sturdy and looks great.

With a 1200 watt motor you will be able to chop and pulverize anything quite easily. I have tried ice cubes, peanuts, beets (yes-beets!), almonds and carrots with this blender. All gave up the fight quite easily, this is a powerful piece of equipment.

Product Features

A really nice feature is the smoothie cup (included). Without having to make any additional mess you can mix your smoothie (or juice or malt) right in the cup you are going to be using. It attaches easily and, once the mixing is done, detaches. Just snap on the lid and you have a travel cup.

The powerful 1200 watt motor is a beast. You will be able to chop, mix or pulverize just about anything. This unit is able to perform most tasks that a food processor would at half the price.

Another benefit of a large motor is the number of settings available. This appliance has 7 settings and gives you great flexibility as you blend. The multiple blades do a very good job of chopping and mixing.

Advantages

-As mentioned, the 1200 watt motor is very powerful. You won’t find too many foods that can’t be blended easily with this unit.

-Multiple blades. Having multiple blades, along with a strong motor, means that your mixing will be better and your chopping will be easier.

-A large 72 ounce glass mixing jar. I like big mixing jars, you can make your drink or recipe in larger batches. The glass is heavy duty and tempered. Plus, you can toss it into the dishwasher.

-A good value. This blender is usually priced around $79.99 and will be on sale occasionally at $59.99. If you consider all of the things that this blender can do you realize that you are getting your money’s worth.

Disadvantages

-It’s noisy. One drawback to a powerful motor is going to be noise. This is one appliance that literally can wake the baby.

-Cleaning the blades can be awkward. While the glass jar comes off quickly and can be put in the dishwasher, you have to wash the blades by hand. Sometimes getting all the bits out will require some effort.

#4 Hamilton Beach Power Elite

Hamilton Beach is one of the most well respected names in kitchen appliances. This combination blender/food chopper continues in that tradition of high quality, well designed tools that work well and last a long time.

This is a great idea. It starts out as a sturdy, well built blender but it can also be used as a food chopper. By swapping out the mixing bowl and blades you can change this blender into a food processor. As Alton Brown says on The Food Network, nobody should ever have single use utensils in their kitchens. This blender and chopper suddenly becomes multi-use.

The glass mixing bowl for the blender has a 40 ounce capacity and is dishwasher safe. The bowl for the food chopper (processor) is also glass and dishwasher friendly. Both are easily removed from the base and it is a snap to swap out bowls.

Product Features

Hamilton Beach is using a 700 watt motor for this unit, which is a medium sized motor. It is large enough to power the multiple blades and is strong enough to mix most fruits and vegetables. Chopping ice (with or without water) is a snap.

There are 4 blending (programmed) buttons that give you a total of 12 settings. Generally the more settings, with a strong motor, the better your results will be. I liked the multiple setting feature and found it easy to use.

Advantages

-Having both a 40 ounce mixing jar and a 3 cup chopping bowl is a real treat. Often recipes will call for multiple ingredients and this allows you to mix and chop with the same unit but separate bowls.

-A 700 watt motor is plenty of power for mixing and blending. The blades are upturned at the ends which helps move the ingredients around and up the side of the mixing jar.

-Finally, someone paid attention to the power cord! This cord actually stores separately, is long enough and is properly wrapped. No lost cords, no frayed cords.

Disadvantages

-There are no extra blades for the chopping bowl. Heavy nuts an vegetables can be a challenge.

-While a 700 watt motor is usually sufficient, without special chopping blades it has to work harder on dense, dry veggies.

#5 KitchenAid 5 Speed Diamond Blender

Another brand known for high quality kitchen appliances is KitchenAid. While probably best known for their stand mixers, they also make an exceptional kitchen blender. And as is usually the case with KitchenAid products, there are 20 different colors available. You will be able to match any kitchen color scheme with this blender.

It may sound silly but you want a blender to blend. Some blenders try to hard to be food processors and don’t concentrate enough on basic blending. KitchenAid kept their eyes on the prize, this blender is made for blending.

The company calls it system diamond blending using the Intelli-Speed Motor. It sounds clumsy but it works like a charm. The mixing jar is designed to move the ingredients around, allowing the blades to blend, pulse or chop all of the ingredients. This helps keep everything in motion, meaning you won’t have to constantly stop the blender and scrape down the sides.

Product Features

Like most KitchenAid appliances, this blender has a die-cast steel base. The unit just feels solid. It’s heavy enough so that the blender won’t move on the counter, even when pulsing at a high speed.

There are 5 speeds to use, the settings are clearly laid out and simple to follow. There also is a slow soft food setting. This allows the blender to start mixing slowly when the jar is holding soft foods, especially fruit. The blade then speeds up, pulling the rest of the ingredients down into the mixing area.

Advantages

-It’s KitchenAid. Great products, great service. Too often we buy things based solely on price. Quality matters with these people.

-The mixing jar is BPA free plastic and goes into the dishwasher when you are finished blending. It’s shatter, scratch and stain resistant and is very sturdy.

-The blade unit sits right on the motor. There is a steel coupler to hold it in place. This gives the unit more power and it is quieter than most blenders.

Disadvantages

-No other blade options. There aren’t any heavy chopping blades. The blades included are good but nuts and dense veggies take more time.

-The mixing jar is 60 ounces. Not the smallest around, not the biggest. I would have liked a 72 ounce jar.

The Best Kitchen Blenders: A Buying Guide

Choosing a good blender doesn’t have to be complicated but there are a few factors to consider. Here are a few tips to follow:

It’s A Blender, Not A Food Processor

While many blenders can handle the same tasks as a food processor, most are not designed to work like a food processor. A good blender is made to mix, blend and pulse. Chopping is a nice option but doesn’t always work well with a blender.

Because you are working with a mixing jar that is taller than it is wide, you have less chopping ability. The blades are shorter, meaning they have to work harder to successfully chop dense, heavy foods.

Size Does Matter

It matters for motor size. It also matters for the size (capacity) of the mixing jar.

If the motor is too small it will have to work harder to do its job. This means it will be noisier and, in a worse case, could overheat or burn out. Any motor less than 400 watts is going to struggle.

Having a mixing jar or bowl that is too small isn’t dangerous, but it is a hassle. If you are mixing a large batch of smoothies but only have a 40 ounce jar, you may have to split the recipe and make two batches. Again, it’s a hassle, not a danger.

Glass Versus Plastic Mixing Jars And Bowls

Many people are concerned about the amount of plastic being used with food preparation. Long term studies showed that BPA in plastics can be hazardous to your health. Plastic is harder to recycle, glass is easier to reuse.

There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer for the question of plastic versus glass when you are looking at blenders. From a performance point, both work well for mixing and can go into the dishwasher. Plastic can crack or stain, glass can shatter.

The health issue is more personal. BPA is not allowed in plastic any longer but you may still avoid plastic.

Attachments And Addons

A few of the blenders reviewed come with extra blades, mixing jars and lids, recipe books or other pieces. Some of the extras are very handy, I really like the lids that fit on the mixing jars of the NutriBullet. Extra blades are nice but only if they are easy to swap out.

Most of the blenders come with some sort of recipe book. Usually this is quite basic, it will have a few smoothie recipes and maybe two cold soup recipes. Their fun to look at but shouldn’t make any difference when it comes to your purchase.

Conclusion

Before you buy a blender, make sure you aren’t expecting a food processor. A good blender can be purchased for under $90 and will mix perfectly most beverages, sauces and soups. A good food processor will cost around $250. You don’t need to overspend for a kitchen tool if you don’t need to.

Hopefully there have been some suggestions to help you make your decision! Be sure to let us know what you bought and if you are happy with your purchase.

Best Electric Griddles: Buying Guide & Reviews

Purchasing the best electric griddle can be a tricky affair, but with this article, you will get to know the names of the finest products in a jiffy. What do you need in your kitchen? A good place to start is with an electric griddle.

For your shopping convenience, we will also include an in-depth buying guide that will tell you everything about the electric griddle shopping process. The right electric griddle can be a valuable kitchen tool.

Spoiler Alert: The Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Reversible Grill/Griddle is the first place finisher in our opinion. This electric griddle can easily outperform many competing products.

The 5 Best Electric Griddles

Oster Titanium Infused

Nonstick Cooking Surface: Yes

Heat Control: Yes

Slide-out Drip Tray: Yes

Material Type: Metal

Check Price

Zojirushi EA-DCC10

Nonstick Cooking Surface: Yes

Heat Control: Yes

Slide-out Drip Tray: Yes

Material Type: Metal

Check Price

Presto 07211 Liddle

Nonstick Cooking Surface: Yes

Heat Control: Yes

Slide-out Drip Tray: Yes

Material Type: Metal

Check Price

BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized

Nonstick Cooking Surface: Yes

Heat Control: Yes

Slide-out Drip Tray: Yes

Material Type: Plastic

Check Price

Presto 07061 22-Inch

Nonstick Cooking Surface: Yes

Heat Control: Yes

Slide-out Drip Tray: Yes

Material Type: Metal

Check Price

1. Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Reversible Grill

If you want to get more in return than what you pay for an item, you should set your eyes on the Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Reversible Grill. This product is truly a masterpiece in its own right. It heats up fast, cleans up easily, and will perform wonderfully for several years.

The product somehow knows how to return well-cooked food in record time. You can use it for your everyday breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. This electric griddle will stand up well to constant use. If you really know what you are after when shopping for an electric griddle, there’s no way that you won’t be happy with this product. The quality and performance of the griddle make it completely worth the asking price.

Product Features:

The Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Reversible Grill griddle features a ceramic top with non-stick properties. This eliminates the need for oil or butter when preparing pancakes, veggies, etc. And, this thing cooks everything proportionately as you may want it to be.

So, the food coming out of this griddle won’t taste weird. Not to undermine the fact that you can easily clean the non-stick surface with a wet tissue paper. The cooking capacity of the griddle is also nice. It can easily handle meals for 4-5 people without any fuss. Moreover, this thing features cool handles for easy carrying.

Advantages:

-The heat distribution on this griddle is spot on. It cooks evenly across the entire cooking surface. So, it won’t burn half the food and undercook the other half.

-The ceramic coating on this thing is definitely superior to the ones that you will find in other competitive products. It truly lets you take full advantage of the non-stick properties.

-This best electric griddle provides a good surface area for cooking. And, cleaning this appliance will require very little effort because nothing sticks to the non-stick surface.

-The Oster Griddle is dishwasher safe. All the removable parts can be thrown in the dishwasher for easy cleaning except for the heating control.

-After researching several griddles and weighing the positive and negative aspects of the product, scores of people have settled for this griddle. It has been a top seller for many years.

Disadvantages:

-The power cord on this unit is a tad bit short in length. Because of this, you may be forced to use this griddle very close to the power outlet source.

-The grease tray that accompanies this griddle is smaller than a standard grease tray. So, you might need to empty it if you are planning to cook a lot.

2. Zojirushi EA-DCC10 Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle

If you are looking for a commercial-grade griddle that doesn’t cost a fortune, the Zojirushi EA-DCC10 Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle can prove to be a great option for you. It’s head and shoulders above other equivalent products that seem to have a very limited lifespan and questionable non-stick surface.

This cooking device heats evenly, is well-designed, and it’s highly durable as well. Better yet, it cleans up easily too. Unless you can invest substantially more money on a high-end griddle, there’s no need to look for a better product than this one. In our opinion, there’s nothing not to like about this best electric griddle.

Product Features:

As expected from a high-quality griddle of this nature, the Zojirushi EA-DCC10 Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle heats evenly to prevent overcooking. And, the large cooking surface on this device is generous enough to allow you to cook as much as one pound of bacon at one shot. Moreover, nothing sticks on the surface due to the non-stick properties.

The price of this griddle is a little high, but it will meet all your expectations. So, it’s definitely worth it. Keep in mind that Zojirushi is one of the best companies for kitchen products in Japan. The chances are that you will get your next product from the same company.

Advantages:

-Unlike other similar products, this griddle doesn’t have hot and cool spots on it. You won’t have to keep moving the food around to get everything evenly cooked.

-Better yet, the non-stick surface doesn’t show any signs of wear and tear even after months and months of constant use. And, this thing can be submerged entirely in the water for easy cleaning.

-As mentioned earlier, it has a reasonably large cooking surface which means that you will be able to flip pancakes without any fuss. You can easily cook six pancakes at a time on this griddle.

-The Zojirushi EA-DCC10 Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle has a nice sturdy construction to it. It will easily last several times longer than the average griddles that you will find in a retail shop.

Disadvantages:

-Preheating isn’t instant. It does take a few minutes to heat up. Of course, this isn’t a major product defect. Unless you are always in a hurry to cook food, you won’t mind this minor product drawback.

3. Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle

The Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle is a perfect product for all the budget shoppers out there. For a product of this nature, it’s available for those shoppers on a shoestring budget. This isn’t to say that this electric griddle is made from flimsy parts. On the contrary, it’s surprisingly well-made for the price you pay for it.

Interestingly enough, you won’t see aging issues on this product even after a year or two. And, this thing will take very little physical space in the kitchen. Better yet, the non-stick surface works as represented by the company.

Product Features:

The Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle heats quickly and evenly. It has no hot spots like other griddles in the market that’s sold at the same price point of this product. Better yet, it maintains precise temperature like a champ, and it recovers quickly too. Moreover, the handles on each side of this device make it easy to flip the food inside of it.

Furthermore, this product can be immersed in the water for easy cleaning. For the small investment, you couldn’t have asked for a better griddle. Of course, there are better ones out there, but they will cost you twice or even more than the cost of this griddle.

Advantages:

-The Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle has a cast aluminum body to it that resists scratches. The aluminum construction also helps with even heat distribution.

-This griddle has a small footprint. So, it’s a perfect commodity for those with limited kitchen counter space. It can also prove to be a good camping partner due to its small size.

-As mentioned before, the cost of this griddle is extremely reasonable. If you ditch a movie show, you will be able to save enough to purchase this griddle.

Disadvantages:

-The size of the griddle is quite small. So, you won’t be able to prepare a meal for the whole family at a time. The size is perfect for one or two people and not more.

4. BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle

This is another inexpensive griddle that can put some of the high-end electric griddles to shame. This cooking device will make your cooking time shorter, more fun, and easier than before. You can use it to cook bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes, burgers, and other fun recipes.

It distributes heat evenly and holds the temperature very well, so everything will come out well. Basically, it works as it should. And, it’s pretty big. So, you will be able to make several dishes at once. So, don’t be fooled by the inexpensive price tag of this griddle.

Product Features:

The product features a built-in warming tray to keep the cooked meals warm so that they taste like they were ‘just cooked’ at the time of serving. As claimed, it’s non-stick. And, it works fine mechanically even when it’s subjected to constant use. So, you can expect even and perfect cooking even months and months later.

Simply put, this thing won’t be bin-ready soon just because you bought it cheap. For its asking price, there’s very few competition for this griddle. Frankly speaking, there are no major issues with this product. So, you can’t really go wrong by investing on this BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle.

Advantages:

-The BLACK+DECKER Griddle provides a large cooking surface. You can easily cook around eight hamburgers at one time. So, this thing can be a lifesaver for a mom of many kids.

-You can easily clean this griddle with your bare hands because it’s very light. Moreover, it’s dishwasher safe as well. It also comes with a grease tray to catch excess grease drippings.

-Too many griddles out there have very flimsy legs. This is not the case with this griddle. Like any other best electric griddle, this one is pretty well-built.

-This griddle has received a mix of both positive and negative reviews. That said, the majority of the customers appear to be happy with griddle’s performance.

Disadvantages:

-The size of the grease tray needs to be increased. At its current shape and size, it’s not able to go through a small packet of bacon without overflowing.

5. Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle

The Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle will truly exceed your expectations with regards to product features and performance. Despite the low cost, this electric griddle is a bomb. The cookware company has really got most of the things right on this griddle.

It’s made from aluminum, the heating ability is great, and it cleans up easily too. Moreover, the griddle has a lasting built quality to it. Plus, it’s big enough to do more than eight pancakes at a time.

Frankly speaking, it’s extremely rare to find such an affordable electric griddle in today’s age and time, which can really outperform in almost all departments from excellent cooking to easy cleaning and everything else in between.

Product Features:

The removable handles are a fine feature on this griddle. They make it easy to store this electric griddle in the kitchen cabinet. Moreover, the detachable handles do not wobble. Yes, they are pretty well-made. And, the heat on this thing is uniform across the whole cooking surface. So, it won’t burn or undercook some part of the food.

Above all, this electric griddle features a premium non-stick surface that will enable you to lift the cooked food off the surface even when you don’t put oil or button down. Basically, you will be able to cook food on the plain surface, and the food will still come off the griddle with great ease.

Advantages:

-The removable handles are easy to remove or attach whenever needed. They make cleaning and storing of this electric unit an easy affair.

-The ample cooking surface will allow you to cook multiple items for the entire family at the same time. Other than home use, this griddle can also be used in a food truck.

-The accompanying instruction manual is excellent. It provides information on the temperature needed to cook different types of food and everything else that you need to know.

-The non-stick properties of this griddle work exactly as advertised. For a bacon or pancake loving family, this device would be a dream come true.

Disadvantages:

-Like other inexpensive griddles, this product loses some of its heating abilities with age. That said, the griddle will already give you the money’s worth until then.

Best Electric Griddles: Buying Guide

Choosing the best electric griddle requires careful research and some degree of common sense. But, this isn’t rocket science. We will include some pointers that will ease your shopping woes.

Cooking Surface:

Do you need an electric griddle for a family of two or six people?

It goes without saying; the ones with a smaller surface won’t be able to cook large batches of food at one time. So, pay attention to the size of the cooking surface when shopping for an electric griddle.

Getting a griddle with a larger-than-needed cooking surface won’t do any harm. However, don’t get a small-sized unit if there are many members in your family.

Even Cooking

How is the heat distribution of the shortlisted electric griddle?

This question needs to be addressed because you don’t want to end up with a griddle that has some favorite spots.

Ideally speaking, the heat should be evenly distributed across the cooking surface, or else you will end up with half cooked or overly cooked meals. It goes without saying; this will beat the whole purpose of getting an electric griddle.

Non-Sticky

The non-stick surface griddles are on the trend these days. Usually, companies use some non-stick coating on the surface to prevent the food from sticking to the griddle. This also helps to lessen the use of oil and butter in the meal.

So, you will end up eating a healthier meal every day. Another benefit of a non-stick griddle is that it’s easier to clean because of the non-stick nature of the product, which prevents the food from sticking to the griddle.

Ease of Cleaning

Cooking a meal can be a real joy, but cleaning the cooking device afterward can be a real task. After all, some griddles are a nightmare to clean. So, make sure that you don’t fall for such products just because they don’t cost an arm and a leg. Ideally speaking, you should get a dishwasher safe griddle.

If it’s not dishwasher safe, check if it can be easily assembled and dissembled for easy cleaning. As hinted earlier, the non-stick ones are easy to clean. You will simply have to wipe the cooking surface with a clean tissue paper.

Budget

Of course, your budget is a very important part of the equation when shopping for the best electric griddle because there can be a huge price gap between two products that offer the same features and performance.

Basically, you will have to set your budget and choose a griddle that has all the features that you are looking for. Of course, it helps to stretch your budget a little bit for a good product instead of investing in a cheap product with inferior features.

More Shopping Tips:

-Make sure that the cord length of the griddle is of adequate length, so that it doesn’t fall out of the attached electric outlet time and again.

-Depending on where you want to keep the griddle, make sure that you consider a size that fits well in the kitchen cabinet. After all, not everyone out there will be happy to leave their griddle sitting on the countertop.

-Last but not the least; buy the griddle from a reputable brand as opposed to a generic brand to make sure that your investment on the griddle lasts for several years and beyond.

Conclusion:

The nice thing now is that you have enough information to act on to make the purchase of the best electric griddle really count.

If not, please drop a comment below and let us know your area of concern. We will be happy to help you further.