Showing posts with label bodum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bodum. Show all posts

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Bodum 10709-04US Bistro Toaster - Red



What toast was meant to be, and what toasters dreamed of being.
A thunderstorm knocked out our Breville, which we liked very much, but when I went to replace it I found that the price had increased and shopped for a more economical replacement, settling on this one from Bodum.

Since color had been a problem for others, and wasn't important to us given our neutral kitchen design, I chose black. We could not have been more delighted.

This is a knockout design, both functionally and aesthetically.

Most important, this thing makes predictably wonderful toast: perfect toast, nutty and sweet. It's as if we'd never tasted toast before! Controls are sensibly located, clearly labeled, and easy to read. If you want to conceal the cord, there's a clever way to do it that doesn't intrude on the design. The rubberized surface doesn't attract fingerprints and is easy to clean. Whoever designed this toaster clearly thought about how people used toasters, pondered how to improve the experience, and put that learning to work. Its...

If it fits, toast it!,
After looking at many toasters and reading many reviews, I purchased the Bodum Bistro 2-slice toaster to replace our aging single extra wide-extra long slot toaster that died.

I got into trouble immediately with my better half over the "oval" style of this toaster. Be forewarned...if you prefer a traditional style, better pass on this one. I convinced my spouse to give it a chance based on all the wonderful reviews as to how great it toasted bread.

After it arrived and we started to use it, it was clear I was in trouble again. None of the breads we buy fit in the slot without surgery or using our hand to force it down in the slot. Lest you think we buy weird sized breads, think again. We typically buy a popular sliced multi-grain, a sliced sourdough, and a sliced French bread. The edges of the two latter breads had to be trimmed (scissors work fine) to fit the bread in the slot. The multi-grain fit a bit snugly in the slot opening so it had to be pushed down by...

Finally a toaster that toasts!!
After purchasing several toasters over the last couple of years, I found myself reading yet another review on a toaster here on Amazon. A reviewer mentioned their frustration with that toaster and said they were giving up and just buying a Bodum. I had no idea Bodum was making toasters and immediately looked it up, read the reviews and ordered for next day delivery! I was so frustrated with our DeLonghi/Kitchen Aid/Cuisinart toasters and needed to pop the bread down twice and even turning it around to get an even toast. Not the biggest stress in life, but I mean, with all the technological advances, why is the toaster stuck in the past...wait the past had better toasters than we are able to get today....UNTIL NOW!!!

I don't normally write reviews, but this toaster warranted taking the time. It perfectly toasted my english muffin in one shot (no turning, retoasting, etc.!!) Wow, I can put bread in, press down the lever and toast pops up, evenly browned and beautiful! Oh...

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Bodum Electric Indoor Table Grill and Griddle, Black



Doesn't justify its price
The distinguishing feature of this unit, the Bodum Bistro 11133 electric table grill, is that the big plate that heats up is smooth on one side and "ribbed" on the other. The smooth, or griddle, side is for items such as eggs and pancakes and hash browns, whereas the the ribbed, or grill, side is for, say, burgers or steaks or chops, where you want to sear in those pretty and ever-flavorful grill marks that result from the ever-wonderful Maillard Reaction. You choose which side to use by simply flipping the plate over. It's designed so you can't flip it without unplugging the controller. Also, there's a simple mechanical device that prevents you from using the device unless the drip tray is installed.

Both sides of the plate are covered in a non-stick coating, and both sides measure 14-5/8 inches by 9-1/8 inches, or 133.45 square inches, which is on the small side if you're cooking for six. A similar product I own, made by Presto, measures 14-1/4 by 18-3/4, or 267.19...

FANTASTIC grill but a bit overpriced
This was a tough review to write. On the one hand, my Mom LOVED this grill. On the other hand, it is WAY over priced for what you get, at retail, or even with Amazon's discount.

The idea is great: an indoor grill that has a griddle on one side and a traditional grooved grill on the other. And, it is incredibly easy to switch between the two plates. You quite literally lift and flip (see my pictures). The grill plate cannot be flipped while plugged in, which decreases the chance of trying to flip while it's still hot. And, it was easy to clean, by hand, and in the dishwasher - we tried both. The non-stick surface is exactly that, and while a larger surface would have been nice, this also fits comfortably on a countertop without taking up too much room. It's not too heavy either, so it can be moved around with ease. Plus, it comes in several colors to go with most any kitchen.

We tried several foods on this. My mom grilled T-Bones, Mahi Mahi, scallops and...

It does the job, but not overly impressed.
I got this and thought, "Oh, cool, one appliance for two jobs, and should be easy to clean up instead." Ok, it does the job of two appliances semi-ok, but the cleanup is iffy and you need to pay attention to what you're thinking about cooking on it. Though the description emphasizes cooking right at the table, I wouldn't advise it unless you're going to cook something that is splatter free. I wouldn't try the suggested bacon, except in the case where you want everyone at the table coated in grease droplets. Pancakes, eggs, veggies, and anything that doesn't normally send hot oil particles flying are ok. Cooking up some ground beef, sausages, bacon, and the like, is not so good an idea due to their fat content. Even the manual points out that you should be using "quality meat" with this grill.

While you might be thinking, "I can just turn the heat down and it will be ok," let me warn you, there is no temperature guide on this thing. The temperature control dial...

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