March 09, 2008
Coffee Maker or Coffee Brewer
You actually brew a pot of coffee because it takes longer and their is a process involved, you make a cup of instant coffee.
Manufacturers today try to get you to buy higher priced coffee brewers by adding more and more features that look cool but really are not necessary. These addons include custom brewing, coffee grinders and steel carafes built right into the machine, they are now becoming a standard feature. In reality though the difference in flavor does not warrant a 100 dollar difference in price. Flavor is governed on how much escapes through the top of the coffee pot while it sits. That's why your first cup which is normally poured as soon as it is brewed is better than the second cup. Flavor escapes immediately after and during brewing. Using a carafe does help but there is no substitute for a fresh cup of coffee. That is why French presses are becoming more popular.
You'll find manual-drip systems, coffee presses, percolators that brew individual cups or a whole pot full. These do have a lot to do with flavor. Percolated coffee is the best but takes longer to brew. Consumers buy more automatic-drip coffeemakers than these styles because they are faster. Black and Decker and Mr coffee are the two most popular brands made.
Coffeemakers come in all sizes from single-cup models to 12 cup and even larger urns for parties. At the low end are the single switch brewing and a plain metal hotplate. More expensive models have programmable timers, thermal carafes, water filters and possibly frothing capabilities. Most models make a pretty good cup of coffee. High priced coffee makers only have more features with nicer colors
Size of your coffee maker is dependant on how much coffee you like to drink. If you normally only have one cup of coffee before heading out in the morning a single cup machine or a two cup coffee maker is enough. You'll will use less coffee and waste less in the long run. Pod or the type that hold travel mugs are an option if you want just one cup at a time.
Most consumers buy two sizes of coffee makers, one or two cup machines (a coffee press makes the best cup) and a larger 12 cup machine for when having company. As with any kitchen accessory you should co-ordinate the color with the rest of your countertop appliances including accents.
January 15, 2008
Bakers racks
We are most often used to seeing bakers racks in the kitchen as a storage unit for cook books and plants. Lately with more contemporary homes the popular bakers wine rack. If you use your imagination you will find that there are plenty of rooms around the home that can use decorative shelf unit like a bakers rack.
These wood and metal storage racks offer you a contemporary furniture style in home furnishings at a very affordable price. Three rooms other than the kitchen, that your home can benefit from are the living room, dining room and family room.
When buying a bakers rack for the living room, you will want a furniture piece that complements your existing living room décor. A wood rack that has several shelves and a cabinet below would be perfect. Storage space is always difficult to find in a room, if you have a few decorative boxes you can keep your DVDs, CDs and videos in these and display the box on your shelves.
Baker's racks come in two basic styles for the living room or dining room. You can review models that fit flush to the wall or a corner unit. The latter is often the better choice because it takes up less room and corners are always the hardest to furnish. These will not only add room, but also bring focus to a particular area of the room.
Two rooms that are becoming more popular to use a bakers rack in are large bathrooms and the bedroom.
Girls seem to use these the most in the bedroom to display dolls, stuffed animals and other collectibles. They also make good areas to place a stereo and alarm clock on. With the larger racks you can use one shelf for a laptop computer.
Your main bathroom can use this type of contemporary furniture quite effectively. If you have a nice collection of designer towels, candles and other accessories you can display them here. You can save your more personal items in the vanity.
- click here to read more on bakers racks" and which online retailer offers free shipping.
One are of my home that I used my bakers rack in is the front entranceway. I have a large foyer, but didn't want to put a bench there. I found a very nice bakers rack with a cupboard underneath that looks really good there.
December 19, 2007
Kitchen floor mats
We are going to solve two very popular but simple problems in the kitchen
Who here gets tired feet standing in a kitchen preparing food?
I do! I will tell you what helped me out a lot and that was a rubber backed kitchen mat that I placed in front of my sink.
No time to paint the kitchen right now but need to add more color!
Stain resistant and country floral kitchen rugs will take care of this problem. Normal sizes are 2 feet by 3 feet and 2 feet by 4 feet. There is more information on choosing a mat here on this page, kitchen floor mats
Remember is you choose a weaved kitchen rug you should have a rug pad underneath to stop is from slipping. This is also advisable if you have ceramic tiled floors in the kitchen.
These two pictures will go you some idea as to your choices in decorative kitchen rugs. If you have children or teenagers the stain resistant area rugs are probably a better choice.
These are not foam or rubber backed kitchen floor mats, they are a true area rug.
November 18, 2007
Stainless steel cookware
They can also enhance the look of your kitchen. Hanging on a pot rack this cookware is almost like adding more kitchen decor. Stainless steel cookware is easy to care for, exceptionally durable and light, it won't corrode or tarnish and its nonporous surface is resistant to wear. It also doesn’t react with either alkaline or acidic foods.
The drawback to cooking with stainless steel is that it is a poor conductor of heat and does not distribute heat evenly. This means the pots and pans take a little longer to heat up to the right temperature.
Stainless steel pots and pans, look and cook food the best.
Higher quality cookware will usually have heavy bottoms with a core of copper or aluminum sandwiched between layers of steel. Stainless steel cookware is very popular because of its moderate price and its versatility.
Get more details on kitchen cookware here - You can review information on different types of cookware materials and the benefits of each.
If you know the type or brand of cookware you want, Its always cheaper to buy your cookware in sets. Unless you need specialty pots for certain recipes. Every kitchen should have a high quality sauté pan and cast iron frying pan.
Posted on 09:19 PM | Details | Comments (0)November 13, 2007
Soft boiled egg cup
Everyone knows how important a good breakfast is to start your day. But really when it comes down to it most of us don't have time to make it. Teenagers are in a hurry to get out the door, working moms need to get a family organized and normally never have time to take care of themselves.
You can have a healthy breakfast in just 4 minutes and it doesn't have to be boring
Put on a pot with about 4 inches of water, bring to a boil and then gently pop in an egg with a spoon. Put a piece of toast in the toaster and then pour yourself a glass of juice. In 4 minutes take out your egg with the same spoon and put it in your soft boiled egg cup. Your toast is ready about the same time and now you have a healthy breakfast in just 4 minutes.
The fun part is you now have a cico egg cup that looks great and is a colorful kitchen gadget that everyone will want to use.
Continue reading "Soft boiled egg cup" »
Posted on 12:03 PM | Details | Comments (0)October 03, 2007
Cooking Gadgets
We have just added a new kitchen gadget section to our site that we are pretty excited about.
Many of our readers have been asking about Pfaltzgraff dinnerware and gifts. it seems this company is becoming quite popular for finding hard to find replacement sets and cooking gadgets.
Presentation is everything when it comes to serving your family and guests. I have had a few dinners turn out (not quite as planned), but with my decorative serving sets and dishes most people didn't even notice. They did however notice how nice everything looked.
Cooking gadgets and tools used in the kitchen are by far the most useful accessories you can buy. They are fun to use and most importantly the help speed up meal preparation time which is very important. With the right kind of kitchen tool you will be cooking like a gourmet chef. Take a simple lemon zester for instance. If you have to use a large grater because you don't have this simple little utensil it's just more dishes for you. Over the past number of years I have wanted to make many kinds of recipes that called for specialty cookware and even serving dishes. As good as they looked I couldn't make them because they neve turn out properly when I substitute for the wrong type of pan.
This part of our home decor site will be focusing on more than just cooking gadgets, we will be adding more information on weather gadgets and electronic gadgets.
Posted on 10:39 AM | Details | Comments (0)September 29, 2007
Kitchen bakers rack
Keep your kitchen well organized with this metal bakers rack that has 4 shelves including one that is made of beautiful stone.
This is the rack that I have in my kitchen and has served me well for a number of years now. To keep it looking new every couple of months, I use a tiny bit of spray furniture wax on a cloth and then rub it on the steel frame.
The finish is classified as old steel. The main shelf is stone and it comes with a total of 4 shelves for optimum storage. The wine rack holds 12 bottles of wine.
The overall dimensions are 75.25 inches high x 37 1/2 inches wide and 17 3/4 inches deep.
To clean just dust frequently using a clean dusting cloth that will attract and hold dust particles. Do not use liquid or abrasive cleaners these could damage the finish.
If the area you want to place it in, is a little too small or it would make the area look cluttered look at the alternatives. A bakers rack that is designed for a corner would work well, you can view other kitchen bakers racks here.
Posted on 12:51 PM | Details | Comments (0)September 18, 2007
Decorative Glass Jars with Lids
Sometimes I even surprise myself when an unexpected decorating idea turn out better than I had envisioned. This happened to me when I bought a set of decorative glass jars for my kitchen.
I like to have things close at hand in my kitchen, especially on my countertops. But what I don't like is clutter. Lately I have been switching up my canisters and jars to something more colorful and decorative, that hold my sugar, flour and tea.
My newest purchase is iitala jars. I use these to hold spaghetti, coffee beans and straws. Why straws, because I couldn't think of anything else at the moment and my kids were always asking for them. But here is what I noticed after I did this. The colors all blended together to make a nice countertop display.
You can have nice storage and a decoration at the same time, with Iittala’s high quality glass jars. The series comes in many colors and sizes - 4.5 inch, 8 inch and 11 inches tall. These the mouth blown tall glass jars are perfect for storing pasta, herbs, chocolate, or whatever needs a space.
These glass jars with lids are becoming a very popular design for the kitchen. They are ideal for people that like to display nice looking jars on counters.
click here to buy iittala jars
if you are looking for more colorful glass storage jars for your kitchen.
June 19, 2007
Cool summer treats
Nothing goes better on a hot day than a cool refreshing, smoothie, slushee or snow cone
How much driving have you done to take your kids to the local gas station or supermarket to get a slush. For me when the weather is hot it seems to be every day almost. I decided to cut down on my driving and buy my own slushee machine. It is now my teenagers favorite summer treat that they can share with their friends. It has been a big hit with my family.
I recently brought it out after one of my outdoor dinner parties and it was even a big hit with the adults. Its sort of like making ice cream because you do nee to use salt. I like it because I can use any kind of fruit I want to give the slushee a more personalized taste.
The machine I bought was the (Nostalgia Electrics HSM250 - Slush Ease Home Slushee Machine) This slush machine uses crushed ice or small ice cubes from your freezer, ordinary table salt and a small amount of water. Add your favorite fruit juice and enjoy many delicious drinks.
To buy the slush machine go here
If your are more into smoothies
Back to Basics Smoothie Twist is a really good buy at only 28 dollars.
This smoothie machine is great for frozen drinks made fresh at home with its ice-crushing blade, and dispensing valves. It has a powerful motor, and large blending container. Features: Ice-crushing blade and includes up to 400 watts of pulse-power in the motor.
Click here to buy the smoothie maker.
As a special treat for kids birthday parties in the summer my friend brings over here snow cone machine. I have got to get me one of these too, because they are really good. This Old-Fashioned, Carnival-Style Snow Cone Maker cart shaves ice cubes into snow. Add your choice of flavored syrup.
Details of the snow cone machine are here.
These ideas are all from out houseware department and small kitchen appliances.
Posted on 08:48 PM | Details | Comments (0)May 06, 2007
Cheap kitchen remodeling
Quick and simple kitchen remodeling that you can do yourself
Let's just start by saying remodeling is different from a renovation. A kitchen renovation can cost anywhere up to 100,000 dollars, depending on how elaborate your go. A simple and cheaper kitchen remodeling project should only cost you anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to maybe a 1500 dollars. This really is a cheaper way to up-date your kitchen because you can do-it-yourself in little bits at a time, so you don't need to spend the money all at once.
So where can you start that will be the cheapest and make the biggest difference in how your kitchen looks. Replace your kitchen cupboard drawer and door handles. A brushed nickel or black finish is the most popular, if you want to have something that looks contemporary and matches well with all colors including solid wood finishes.
Next change the kitchen sink faucet, this easy pretty easy for anyone one to do, just put the new one on the same way you took the old one off.
Kitchen rugs and mats can add more appeal to your flooring and make an otherwise dull and boring design, come alive with color and shapes. More about Kitchen mats and area rugs for by the sink area or under kitchen tables.
The other area that makes a big difference in how you kitchen looks is the dining area, right above the kitchen table. For this area, get rid of your old ugly hanging light and replace it with a two or three light hanging pendant light. These come in modern and traditional styles many different shapes and colors. Get more details
hanging pendant lights here.
Last but not least is the glass doors leading from the kitchen to outside. If you have a large patio door in the kitchen area, buy a new full length patio door vertical blind.
There is far too much information to cover just about remodeling and decorating a kitchen. So you are able to take your time and come back for information and ideas if you need it, we have placed links to other areas on our main home decor site decormotif that you should read.
- If you are thinking about renovating your home but can't make up your mind because of the cost involved, read this article here about the added value of a home renovation and how to get started.
- About theplanning stage of bathroom renovations.
- How to choose replacement windows for your home.
- Here you can find information onwhat type of flooring to choose, laminate wood, hardwood, ceramic tile, cork flooring or bamboo. Installation tips and what type of tools you will need.
March 22, 2007
Pot and pan rack with lights
This is bigger than the original Oneida pot rack and has more room for hanging and storage. The center grid holds your hooks and can function as a shelf. Two 50-Watt R20 downlights shine from the center of the rack down onto your work area and let you use this rack in place of your usual kitchen light fixture. The lights are 22 inches apart and 4 inches in diameter.
To view other selections of lighted pot racks go back to our main page as kitchen decor these kitchen accessories do a nice job.
Posted on 04:06 PM | Details | Comments (0)March 11, 2007
Trashcans and garbage receptacles
Kitchen trashcans, misunderstood home decor or a forgotten kitchen accessory
We spend so much time thinking about decorating and trying to come up with a new idea to use in the kitchen, some of the simple kitchen accents get forgotten. Kitchen trash cans play an important role in decorating the kitchen. They don't just hold garbage anymore. They are in fact the new trend in kitchen decor.
Stainless steel trash cans and angled models that fit corners are replacing the standard under the counter plastic garbage can. Even rubbermaid is making decorative trashcans and recycle bins.
Wher to buy a kitchen trashcan;
Kitchen trash cans at trashcansandmore
Features that you will want;
A special air tight lid that will create an odor seal which keeps unpleasant odors in the receptacle instead of filtering around your home.
Removable liners are very nice because it can be removed and cleaned quickly.
With a trash bag fastener you will never have to worry about the bag slipping down into your trashcan. This simple feature keeps the bag fastened in place and keeps trash in the bag.
Hands free receptacles feature an infrared sensor that detects when your hand is near the lid. It then opens and allows you to throw out your waste, and closes when you remove your hand. This feature allows you to avoid touching the bacteria that is on your trash can.
You can get more information from our main home decor site on this page about kitchen trash cans.
Posted on 09:47 PM | Details | Comments (0)December 13, 2006
Hanging pot rack for kitchen
Tip for getting your husband to agree with you that you need new kitchen accessories and utensils
I have old and ugly pots and pans that I don't want to have people see these hanging in my kitchen. The solution here is to buy new ones that will also help you become a better cook.
Every time my husband buys a new tool and I ask him why he always has the same answer. "You can't do a very good job without the proper tools". A true statement that you can't really argue with and he knows it. I have now made his very own words work for me.
I cooked, lets just say not a very good dinner one night. Said I was sorry but my pots and pans where getting kind of old now and are not cooking food the way they should or fast enough (dinner was also late) (I fed the kids before he got home from work with something they liked). This where I mentioned I wanted to update the kitchen with new pots and pans and then hang them from a pot rack above the kitchen island so I could have more cupboard space. He started to argue about the cost so I let him have it with "You can't do a very good job without the proper tools". He got the message and I am out looking for new kitchen stuff. I already got my Kitchen island stool after he had no place to sit one morning in the kitchen to have his coffee.
If you would like to no more about hanging pot racks or other kitchen accessories go here.
If you know what you want and are ready to buy
On a Personal Note
I know some of you gals will be thinking I make my own money so I should just go out and buy it myself. We decided to discuss spending money on the home or the kids together when we first got married. we have been married for 27 years and still discuss spending money together. Its just that I am better at it than him.
November 20, 2006
Wine theme kitchen accessories
Wine theme kitchen accessories seem to be a hot addition to a modern kitchen. Wine bottle holders from blomus are leading the pack. A blomus drip catcher is a very good idea if you have expensive linens of your table.
Sometimes when people give you wine as a gift the corks are sealed in wax and it creates a problem when trying to open the bottle. This is where the metrokane wax whacker comes in. It is a stainless steel wax remover that fits all wine bottles.
The last thing you want is for sparkling wines like champagne to sit and breath with an open cork. Yhe blomus champagne stopper is a modern wine accessory that helps keep messes to a minimum and freshness of flavor.
To view details of this faucet bottle opener go here and other wine accessories go to this page
For other kitchen gadgets go back to Wine theme kitchen accessories on our main home decor site.
Cork screws are always an interesting addition to your wine accessories. They can have very modern designs or simple lounge waiters bottle opener. I have to tell these are my favorite accessories in wine decor. You can start a collection of interesting wine bottle openers and display them when you have a party. The most unique bottle opener that I have come across is the Metrokane - faucet corkscrew in black and chrome, it also has a foil cutter with it.
November 19, 2006
Types of pots and pans
Choosing the right pot or sauce pan for cooking.
Choosing what type of pot or pan to cook you are going to buy really depends on what type of meals you normally prepare. For certain dishes you may need a specialty pan. The difference between a good meal and a fantastic meal can all lie in the right frying or roasting pan. Choosing the right kitchen accessory for cooking really does make a difference. Think of it as a carpenter would - you need the right tool - to do the right job.
- More information about kitchen accessories and cookware and bakeware can be found on our main site.
OR at Cookware Essentials
Brasier Pots
They are available with or without a lid. Braiser pans look very similar to stockpots, but have lower sides to cook meat. They allow meat to cook slowly like a pot roast.
Casserole dishes
A casserole is a large, deep, covered pot or dish used both in the oven and as a serving dish. The foods usually prepared in this pan consist of vegetables and sometimes meats, pastas, or rice that is cooked slowly in sauce or another liquid.
Chef's Pan
This pan is equipped with a wide mouth and rounded, flared sides that can easily accommodate stirring. The flat bottom and wide mouth helps accelerates the evaporation of liquids. This makes this pan a great choice for sauces, risotto, pastry cream, or anything else that requires constant attention and frequent stirring.
Sauce Pan
Considered a kitchen essential and will usually be the most frequently used pot. Though the name precludes it to be designed for preparing sauces, it is used for cooking fruits, vegetables, soups, and stews.
Double Boiler
This pot is useful for steaming vegetables, meats, and fish. Sometimes it's also used for melting chocolate.
Dutch Oven
Dutch ovens are heavy, relatively deep, pots with a heavy lid, designed to re-create oven conditions on the stovetop. The Dutch oven is wider and shorter than a stockpot.
Pressure Cooker
Pressure cookers look like other kitchen pots, except their lids are a bit more elaborate. This pot helps to reduce cooking time by as much as 50% without destroying the nutritional value of the food. You can cook anything in the pressure cooker, although it is better suited for foods that require long cooking times.
Stock Pot
Stockpots are really just bigger sauce pans and canbe used to cook the same items, just more of it.
Paella Pan
This traditional Spanish cooking pan is typically used to prepare paella (pronounced pah-AY-ah), a rice dish usually including vegetables and meat and/or seafood.
