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Appliances

Most Expensive . . .0

coffee maker, ever.

I recently wrote an article about the Xelsis, a cool little coffee maker that retails for around $3000.  I balked at the figure, though I realized that my bill at Starbucks was probably going to hit that amount eventually.

What I didn’t know was that there are even more expensive coffee makers out there.  Much more expensive.

Take the Siphon Bar, for example:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/banky177/

Apparently it takes months of training to operate this sucker.  It heats carafes of water (that look like scientific beakers) via halogen-powered burners.  When these hit the proper temperature, a second carafe is placed on top of each one.  After a bit, the heat forces water vapor into the grounds, which creates a coffee mud of sorts that is rapidly stirred with a bamboo paddle.  Finally, the brown liquid gold is siphoned back into the initial water carafe to make a fine cup of joe. 

You can buy one of these for your home—but be ready to spend $20,000. 

But, even with that price tag, the Siphon is not the most expensive coffee maker in the world.

That honor belongs to the Javabot.  As far as I can tell, these machines are not available for home use, existing only in shops owned by the Roasting Plant Coffee Company.

This machine apparently flows throughout the entire store—like veins in a human body. Mike Caswell, an industrial engineer, created the prototype of this ubër giant coffee machine in his basement—out of vacuum cleaner parts.  The idea was to have one machine that would provide every aspect of the coffee making process—from roasting the bean to pouring the cup of deliciousness.

I was unable to get the price tag of this incredibly cool machine—but I’m willing to bet it tops the Siphon.

I can safely say that my girlfriend and her Mom, being huge coffee aficionados, would love to have either of these machines.

But, with the economy being the way it is, looks like the ol’ Black & Decker SmartBrew  may have to do.

by John Barker

Written by editor on September 8, 2010 at 10:26 am
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Cooking in the Dishwasher0

As a chef  (yep—I used to be a chef. . .now I’m just a burnt out husk of a cook), I’ve encountered a wide variety of bizarre cooking methods.  Like this one:  poaching salmon in the dishwasher.

This concept has been around for a long time.  Horror master and brilliant gourmand Vincent Price apparently cooked fish in a dishwasher on the Tonite Show back in the late 1970s.  I have one of his cookbooks – but couldn’t find any info on that little event.

This guy, Tom Scott, tackles the project with quite a bit of zeal:

WITH the dirty dishes????!?!?!?!?  That can’t be good for you.  And it kind of grosses me out.  I mean, I’m all for multi-tasking and such, but that’s sort of akin to eating a Twinkie that’s buried in the garbage and covered in coffee grounds. Isn’t it?

I admire the enthusiasm of Mr. Scott in the video above – particularly the gusto with which he scarfs down his meal. 

Here’s another version; this recipe has bit more skepticism and scrunched up foil. 

Yum!  Delicious soapy water and gritty detergent flavoring anyone?

I’m not saying that the method doesn’t work.

But I am saying that I’m not gonna try it.  My oven works fine, thank you very much.

by John Barker

Written by editor on August 26, 2010 at 2:04 pm
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Coffee Anyone?0

My girlfriend is a coffee fanatic.  I suspect she got this from her Mom, who pretty much mainlines the stuff 24-7.  So, if you’re like they are, you will probably want one of these:

 

 

 

This is the Xelsis Stainless Steel  from Saeco.  It’s touted as a coffee bar for the home.  And while (to me at least) it looks like some sort of futuristic explosive device from a science fiction flick, it is apparently capable of making multiple types of beverages:   espresso, cappuccino, latte . . . even just plain ol’ hot water for tea.

The Xelsis can be customized for up to six people—and each can program six different beverages to a personal profile.  Simply tap the icons on the machine’s touch screen control panel, and presto!

Want milk in your coffee?  No problem.  The Xelsis has the same milk capabilities of a profession espresso machine—including a large milk carafe that hooks on to the front of the machine to allow frothing for cappuccinos.  And, to keep things sanitary, the milk circuit is separate from the rest of the machine.

This sucker costs $3000.  When I saw that I actually said, “Holy crap” out loud.  This is gotta be the most expensive coffee maker in the world – right? 

But there are people out there who would happily pay that kind of cash for a good cup of coffee.  Break it down over 5 or 6 cups a day, and maybe its a better deal than Starbucks.  I don’t know, but I don’t think my girlfriend will be getting one for Christmas. 

by John Barker

Written by editor on August 17, 2010 at 3:09 pm
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Another Kind of Home Theater0

I have simple dreams, really:   flying cars,  winning the lottery (not the Shirley Jackson kind),  holographic live-action gaming.  Things like that.

Toolin’ around online today, I discovered a dream I didn’t even know I had -  a Jacuzzi tub with a DVD player and a rack to hold a bottle of bubbly.

I mean, really. . . how much more could someone want.  I’d hunker down in the steaming, frothy waters of this tub for hours.  AND watch Star Wars.  AND get nicely buzzed.

The DVD Bathtub from Baden Bath measures a healthy 6.25 feet in length and width—plenty of room for two happy movie-going wine-drinking bathers to sit comfortably.  Sporting a comfy headrest, an adjustable waterfall faucet, 10 spa jets, a digital stereo system, and a DVD player (obviously), this tub is built to keep you immersed until pruned.

And don’t worry about getting cold.  The built-in heating system will maintain water temperature until the end credits of a nine-hour Lord of the Rings marathon.

I want one of these.  I just don’t happen to have the $12,700 sitting around.  My penny jar is looking pretty full, though.  I’m probably well on my way.

by John Barker

Written by editor on June 29, 2010 at 10:51 am
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Home Service Offering Water Service0

A company called Home Service is offering a product called Water Service. Sounds pretty straight up, eh?

According to the Home Service website, the company is in the business of emergency repairs. Now they are extending that offer to the water line at your house.

In case you didn’t know, YOU are responsible for the line that typically starts at the curb and brings fresh water into your home.  In other words, if soil changes, if the line is old, or if C.H.U.D.s. are out in full force – it’s on your dime. However, Home Service can take care of that hassle, as well as the hassle of the expense of unexpected repairs.

Swimming pools, Kitchens, Council flats and Karma by fabbio.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fabiovenni/1070549536/

“Emergencies do happen and unfortunately, there’s very little someone can do to prepare for them,” says Jonathan King, Home Service CEO. “Rather than having to scramble and pay thousands of dollars in the midst of a home emergency, Home Service takes care of the legwork from start to finish.”

Until now, Home Service partnered with homeowners exclusively via utility companies. Now select areas (Connecticut, Oklahoma, Colorado, South Carolina, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri) can contact them directly and cut out the middleman. They will start offering the Water Service Line Protection Plan via a direct-mail campaign. Sign up, pay a low monthly fee, and you’ll have access to  24-hour emergency services.

by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on June 17, 2010 at 10:40 am
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5 Funky Grills0

No matter where you go this weekend, expect the waft of meat to fill the air. It’s practically summer, which means potato salad, bottomless bowls of chips, watermelon, ice cream – you get the picture. 

Even if you are just planning to throw a few steaks or burgers on the coals, it’s time to start thinking big.  Home Depot has announced plans to slash prices and this may be the time to  kick things up a notch. Here are five unconventional, funky grills to help launch  one killer BBQ season . . .

 

The Freedom Grill FG-100:  Celebrate your freedom by busting out grilling options wherever you roam. This grill mounts to any 2-inch hitch on a SUV, pickup or RV, so it doesn’t take up any precious cargo space. That means more room for your freeloading buddies! Once you get to your final destination, swing out the grill and start sizzling.

 

The CarBQ:  Despite being part car, this grill isn’t all that mobile. Instead, it’s mammoth, incorporating the full size front end of a classic British mini. Running off a standard gas cylinder, this tasty ride is hand-built and comes with options including working lights, stereos, and almost anything else you want in a CarBQ.

 

BBQ Shed Trailer:  It may cost $25,000, but this grill space pays double in deliciousness. Of course, at that price, this BBQ may have to double as your living space. That’s cool, though. Each trailer comes with two sliding windows, storage areas, a fridge, sinks, stereo speakers and air conditioning.

 

Baby Carriage Pit: When you go in for a big baby smooch, you’ll get a snootful of steak, chicken, corn and other grilled goodies. Klose converted this old English carriage into one sweet smoker. Sadly, this one is a bit of a tease, since it’s not commercially available. However, the company does make other unique grills, which you can check out in their 350-page catalog.

 

George Foreman USB iGrill :  Have to work this weekend? That’s no excuse to miss out on grilled goodies. This geeky version of the popular George Foreman grill hooks to your computer’s USB port, downloads recipes, and calculates the perfect cooking times.

 by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on June 5, 2010 at 12:10 pm
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5 Ways to Avoid Home Fires0

DIYers  love tools, decor, and other home improvement trappings. However, in the frenzy, many often forget the best accessory of all: a smoke detector.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires account for 92 percent of fire deaths that occur in structures. That’s almost 3,000 deaths each year. Aside from fatalities, those fires can cause a whole lot of damage.

The NFPA says that the leading causes of home fires revolve around cooking equipment. Of course, there are other causes, too.  But don’t worry – preventing fires in your home is a lot about common sense and paying attention.  Here are 5 easy tips from NFPA: 

1)      Smoke alarm accessories are available for people who are hard of hearing. They activate from the sound of traditional smoke alarms and produce a complex low frequency alarm signal, more effective at waking those with mild to severe hearing loss.

2)      Keep anything that can burn, such as paper, bedding, or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment and have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around stoves, open fires, and space heaters.

3)      If you smoke, smoke outside using a deep, sturdy ashtray. Remember to make sure butts and ashes are out, and dousing water or sand on them is the best way to do that.

4)      Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Larger homes may need more alarms, for better coverage.

5)      Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.

 Of course, there are tons of other easy things you can do to keep your home fire-free. Check out the NFPA’s website for more tips and other information.

 by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on June 1, 2010 at 5:10 pm
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Desperation AC0

I grew up in Florida where 90 degrees was a cool day and most of your cars had crankable air conditioning, and by that I mean crank the window down and drive a little faster.   You begin to appreciate the innovation ways people manage to stay cool.  I wish I had thought of a few of these ideas while sweaten’ it out in the old days.   I had an old Chevy pick-up truck, and some of these would have worked in perfectly. 

Box fan, $10. Styrofoam cooler, $2.  Copper tubing, $10. Impressing the ladies with your dorm room AC for summer quarter . . . priceless. 

You know, the five gallon bucket is becoming the new duck tape - the possibilities are endless. 

 

How many BTU’s does it take to cool off a redneck?

There was another video about a spray bottle and getting naked, but that one was just a little too creepy to share. 

Whatever your method, stay cool this summer.

by Jon Burke

 

Written by editor on May 20, 2010 at 10:30 am
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Free Appliances from Viking0

Appliance manufacturer Viking Range Corporation has just launched a promotion called Four Ways to Save.  It’s all about getting freebies — and we love freebies.

 Basically, if you buy Viking products between now and the end of the September, Viking will treat you to something special. However, what you get will depend on what you buy. The offer is only valid on the following combinations:

 1)     Buy a Viking Professional Series kitchen. That includes a freestanding or built-in refrigerator, at least a 30-inch range or cooktop/rangetop and oven, and at least a 30-inch hood. Then, you’ll get a free Viking dishwasher.

2)     Buy a Viking Designer Series kitchen. That includes a freestanding or built-in refrigerator, a 36-inch cooktop/rangetop and 30-inch oven and a hood. Then, you’ll get a free Viking dishwasher.

3)     Buy a Viking Designer Series kitchen. That includes a freestanding or built-in refrigerator, a 30-inch range or a 30-inch cooktop/rangetop and oven, and a dishwasher. Then, you’ll get a free 6-inch wall hood or microwave hood.

 4)     The fourth option involves cold, hard cash. Who doesn’t love that? Buy a Viking built-in refrigerator or freezer, and Viking will give you $500 back. The company says this offer can be applied in addition to the offers above. 

Viking will run this promotion in the U.S. and Canada through September 30, 2010.  But don’t expect to buy in Canada, cross the border and collect your goodies. The products need to be installed in the country of purchase.

More information is available here.

by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on May 14, 2010 at 10:23 am
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Dinner for Couch Potatoes0

Is moving your dinner from the kitchen to the dining room table too much exertion after the strain of cooking the meal?   

Are you a fan of dinner in front of the TV?   

If your answer is yes to either of these questions, the CookIn Table by Young Chan Choo, may be for you.  Go ahead – take your kitchen to the living room.

Designed to encourage family time, the table features low-to-the-floor Asian design.  And with a cooking surface right in the middle of the table, the whole family can be involved in meal preparation (though I’m not sure if that’s a good idea). 

Beneath the glass top are four shelves that pull out for extra space—ideal for extra serving space during a meal if less than four people are attending.  Four drawers are also provided in the table’s base to store utensils.  Lastly, the bottom of the table can be removed to reveal even more storage space.

But the true highlight of this table is the cook top.  Utilizing induction cooking (a cooking method that heats cookware via magnetic energy), the cook top heats up only when exposed to a metal objects.

I find this to be an interesting design that combines form and function—but I have a few reservations.  Shelves, drawers, storage, cooking element – it seems like a bit too much.  With all those moving parts, something is sure to break. 

But it is quite attractive—and I think it serves the purpose of providing a unified area for people to gather.  As long as they can stand up from the floor after the meal.  My knees aren’t what they used to be.

by John Barker

Written by editor on May 13, 2010 at 9:36 am
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