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Entries Tagged as 'Kitchen Accessories'

The Farberware Rotisserie Reincarnated

Many people grew up on the taste of food cooked on a rotisserie, and when Farberware started producing small versions designed specifically for the home, they quickly snapped them up.  Although some of these Farberware rotisseries are still around and in use, the company doesn’t seem to make them anymore.  If you look online, you can still buy used ones, but it doesn’t look like new ones are available, unless you happen to find someone who has been hoarding a stock of unopened units for years.  Click here if you want to buy a used one.
If you really want a new Farberware Rotisserie though, you will be happy to hear that they are available under a different brand name.  You see, a company named Lifetime Brands bought the Farberware brand years ago.  It just so happens that this same company also owns Cuisinart, which a modern household appliance name.  They also own other brands like Kitchenaid and Baker’s Advantage.  The good news is that Lifetime brands decided to reincarnate the Farberware rotisserie grill, and it is now manufactured with the name Cuisinart on it.
So, although you can’t get a Farberware open hearth rotisserie anymore, you can get a Cusinart CRV-1000 vertical countertop rotisserie.  The design is definitely a step up, and it seems a bit safer as well. For one thing, the new model is completely enclosed, which means less heat is needed because it doesn’t just escape into the air like older models.  In addition, the old Farberware design had hot oil dripping onto the red-hot heating elements, which always struck me as a bit of a fire hazard.  The new Cuisinart models are designed so that the rotisserie is positioned vertically, and the heating element is in the back.  This way, the oils drip down onto the pan, away from the element.
In addition, the Cuisinart rotisserie has a touchpad control that lets you set the temperature.  Other great features are a nonstick tray that makes cleaning up those greasy drips a cinch.  Even though it is a fully enclosed unit, there is a window and an interior light that lets you peek at what’s cooking inside.  Take a look here to to see a few of the Cuisinart rotisserie choices available.
If you have an old unit and are looking for Farberware rotisserie parts, you can still find a few of them such as the skewers around on the internet.

If you want something that is a little more versatile, you should consider getting a rotisserie that can do other things as well.  A good example of this is the farberware fac900r convection oven with rotisserie.  This appliance is actually a convection oven, and it comes with an attachment so that you can use a rotisserie right inside it.  Of course, you can also use it for other baking tasks.    If you have the space for one of these, I would get one, since they don’t cost much more than a rotisserie.  Many kitchen already have an oven though, and simply don’t have the space for another large appliance on their counter.  This is the reason why the smaller rotisserie units are more popular.  They can easily be tucked away out of sight when not in use.

The Farberware Percolator Review

These days nearly every house has at least one coffee maker, and they seem to be getting more and more extravagant.  Before the days of the automated drip coffee maker however, coffee percolators were very common.  In fact, the good old coffee percolator still sees a lot of action, especially in certain circumstances.  The taste of the coffee that comes out of these machines is a bit different than other types of coffee, and percolator aficionados really swear by it. The good thing about coffee percolators is that it allows you to easily regulate the strength of the coffee that it makes, letting it run longer for stronger coffee. Arguably the most well known brand churning out these machines is Farberware.  Let’s take a look at what these old-fashioned coffee machines have to offer.

Farberware Coffee Percolators

Farberware coffee percolators work pretty much the same way that other percolators do.  All of them need a heat source, which is where these appliances differ.  Some of them have a cord that you simply plug into an outlet and the water heats up.  Others are made to work in places without needing a power supply.  You simply set the Farberware coffee percolator on a heat source and it will make your coffee.  You can set it on the kitchen stove if you like, or you can put it on the grill or wood stove if you are away from home.  There are even percolators that are designed to be placed into the microwave.

Farberware Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Percolator
For people that prefer to have their coffee the old fashioned way, you are in luck. You can still get your hands on a new Farberware Yosemite Percolator that is pretty much the same model that has been in use for the better part of the last century.  These coffee makers are still very popular for a number of reasons.  First, you can use it anywhere there is a heat source, which could be the campfire or the cabin wood burning stove.  The second great thing about these little appliances is that, like other Farberware coffee percolators, they have a built in filter that never needs changing.

Farberware Stainless Steel Electric Percolator
If the stovetop models are a bit too old fashioned for your tastes, but you still want one of these, you can get an electric one.  One of the most popular ones is the Farberware fcp240 electric percolator.  This little feller is so popular because it is lightning fast and small.  For people that simply want to brew one or two cups of old fashioned coffee, this is a little gem.  It brews at the rate of one cup per minute, which has to be the fastest cup of coffee you can make, unless of course you count lousy tasting instant coffee.

Using Farberware Percolators to Make Great Coffee

Though many people have forgotten that percolators still exist, there are some people that still swear by these trusty coffee machines because they love their taste.  In a world filled with Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Tim Hortons, it is great to know that people are still using the same classic Farberware coffee percolators that have been in use for decades.  There are a few different types, so let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Farberware Electric Percolators

There are two basic types of percolators, and they vary by the way that they heat the water.  These days, many people choose a Farberware electric percolator for convenience.  They can be used anywhere you can plug them in, and there are models that range from very small to large ones capable of perking up enough coffee for a small army. If you are looking for something small and simple, take a look at the very popular Farberware fcp240 electric percolator.  This small machine brews between 2 and 4 cups so quickly it will amaze you.  Coffee is done just a couple minutes after plugging it in, and then the machine automatically switches over to “warm mode” to keep it hot without making the coffee any stronger.
Electric Farberware percolators come in larger sizes as well.  The Farberware fcp280 8 cup percolator is double the size of its smaller cousin, and works just as well.  It is simply a matter of how many people you are serving.  Of course, you can make more coffee in the smaller one easily, but it is less of a hassle to use the larger one.  If 8 cups at a time is still too small for your needs, they make even larger ones as well.  The classic Farberware stainless steel electric percolator comes in sizes of 4, 8, and 12 cups, and there are massive 36 cup coffee urns available if you need to fuel a whole room full of people.

Farberware Stove Top Percolator

The electric versions aren’t the only ones around.  You can still get one of these classic coffee makers that you simply set on the stove top to brew the coffee.  If you are looking for something that is really old fashioned, the Paula Dean stovetop Farberware coffee percolator is just the thing.  These classic perk pots are great for use in the home, cabin, or even around the campfire.  They come in different colors as well – blue, green, charcoal, orange, and red.
There is a type of coffee pot that is specifically designed for outdoor use.  The Farberware classic Yosemite stainless steel percolator is built out of sturdy stainless steel meant to give it a good, long life.  These percolator pots are simply built and are the perfect thing for making coffee while camping and enjoying the outdoors.  The fact that you don’t need any filters is an added bonus as well.  If you are a true coffee connoisseur, you will need to get a coffee grinder that doesn’t need electricity either.  There are a number of them available that only require a few turns of a crank handle to grind up your fresh coffee beans.

Getting the Most out of Modular Kitchens

In order to get your new or remodeled kitchen to look its best, a lot of thought and consideration needs to go into the planning phase.  Modular kitchens are defined as a kitchen that has all of the pieces integrate together to form a complete unit that matches.  Before you head out to a kitchen showroom, it is a great idea to take a look at modular kitchen photos, either online or from books.  You can find a lot of kitchen design books either at the library or a large bookstore that should give you plenty of ideas that you might not have previously considered.  Kitchen showrooms have lots of ideas as well, but there is never enough space to show as much as you can see in a book or on the internet.
After you have taken a look at some modular kitchen pictures and have an idea about what you like, the next step is to see a showroom to get an idea of your choices. Keep in mind that you will need to bring the dimensions of your kitchen area with you if you want to be able to get the most out of your visit.  Use a tape measure and write down the room dimensions, including both the floor, the height of the ceiling, and any obstacles that might be in the way.
Your modular kitchen will fit together to include units such as the refrigerator, range oven, dishwasher, microwave, and any other large appliances you want to include.  The modular kitchen cabinets that you choose to incorporate into your design will need to fit with the appliances.  Large units like refrigerators and range ovens need to be the same dimensions as the counter top and lower cabinets to avoid odd looking appliances that stick out too far.   One final point to consider is additional pieces of modular kitchen furniture.  These may include kitchen carts and islands, a kitchen pantry, or a bar.  If you have a large space to fill, an island or a bar that is integrated into your kitchen design can make your house look fantastic.

Prices of Modular Kitchens

Many people think that completely customized kitchens cost a lot of money, but the truth is that modular kitchen designs don’t have to cost any more than other kitchens.  The reason for this is that a modular kitchen design incorporates everything together, which means you can often save a lot of money buy buying your cabinets and other items in bulk at one time.  If you were to purchase each unit individually, it would almost surely cost you quite a bit more money when all is said and done.  The family resource center website has more information on kitchens and other home items.

Having a Luxury Kitchen without Spending a Fortune

Let’s face it, there are great kitchens, and there are normal ones.  Most people don’t put a whole lot of thought into their kitchens, but doing even a few things can have an enormous impact on the look and feel of your house.  Designing a luxury kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune either.  There are some relatively simple solutions that go a long way towards giving you the luxurious kitchen that will amaze both your family and your guests.

Luxury Kitchen Design

Luxury kitchens usually begin in the design phase.  When you are planning your kitchen, it is wise to keep in mind that a large, spacious kitchen is usually better.  The more room you have, the less crowded the kitchen will feel.  Allow extra room for a kitchen island, which serves as both extra counter space and gives you extra storage space.  When you are in the design phase, make sure you think about what kind of appliances you want to get.  These days some luxury kitchen appliances such as French door refrigerators are larger than standard units, so you will need to account for the extra room they will take up.   It often helps a lot to look at luxury kitchen photos from a website like this one for inspiration and ideas.  I find that looking at what other people have done in their kitchens really inspires me.

Choosing Luxury Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most important parts of the kitchen is the cabinets, so this step is crucial when thinking about luxury kitchen designs.  There are so many cabinets available to choose from.  Some handcrafted cabinets cost a small fortune, but you don’t need to spend that much.  Because the outside of the cabinet is the only part that is actually seen, there are many reasonably priced cabinets available that have great looking doors and trim, but cheaper insides.  There are all sorts of styles that cabinets can be made in as well.  Choosing a unique cabinet style can go a long way towards making your kitchen look special.  You really need to look at many luxury kitchen pictures to get an idea of what you want in your own kitchen.

Luxury Kitchen Style

Sometimes the style of the kitchen is what makes it feel luxurious.  The truth is that most people have pretty boring kitchens.  If you try a little bit to choose unique and original items, your kitchen will almost surely look fabulous.  There are different styles that you can choose from.  Here are a few of them:  Old-fashioned farmhouse, contemporary, rustic back-woods style, cutting edge.  One way to put a unique and personal touch is by using wall decals quotes.  You can choose from any of the many designs available.  Another way to make an impact on your kitchen is by looking at some of the small things.  Kitchen items like luxury kitchen sinks with fancy faucets or designer toasters and coffee makers on the counter can add to the style of the kitchen.

Designing Luxury Kitchens

With increasing wealth on the planet, more and more people are choosing to spend money on their homes.  A lot of this money gets put into making a luxury kitchen, which happens to be one of the most complex areas of the house.  There are many parts and pieces that go into the design of a kitchen, so a considerable amount of thought is needed to create one that is fantastic looking.  Let’s take a look at what makes up these luxury kitchens.

Luxury Kitchen Designs

The beginning of a great kitchen is the design phase.  If you take your time and really plan out your kitchen well at this stage, it will almost always turn out better than if you bought everything without planning.  Many parts of the kitchen such as cabinets and large appliances need to match and fit properly.  Ensuring a proper fit requires planning in advance.  Many people these days consider a luxury kitchen design to result in a full integration.  What this means is that when you look at the kitchen, the cabinets, countertop, and large appliances all have the same look.  Fully integrated refrigerators and dishwashers, for example, have a front panel made of wood that matches the cabinets or stainless steel, making them blend right into the rest of the kitchen.

Luxury Kitchen Appliances

One of the biggest parts of luxurious kitchens are the appliances.  There are manufacturers who specialize in producing high end appliances.  From 4 door built in refrigerators to fully integrated dishwashers, you can get any appliance designed to match the style of your kitchen.  It isn’t just the large appliances that go into great kitchens though.  Small ones such as espresso machines, microwaves, and toasters can all be purchased with luxurious features and designs. 

Luxury Kitchen Cabinets

Arguably the most important, and certainly the most expensive part of the kitchen are the kitchen cabinets.  Cabinets come in all shapes, sizes and materials, offering unlimited choice of style.  From handcrafted solid wood cabinets to those made of stainless steel or glass, there are high end cabinets that will satisfy anyone with good taste.  These days, most people get mass-produced cabinets made out of cheap materials, so if you get quality hand made cabinets made to your specifications, you will be able to see the difference.

Of course, there are countless other features not mentioned here that do their part in transforming your kitchen into an oasis.  Sometimes it is the small details that are important.  Choosing things like luxury kitchen faucets and sinks can really make your home look special.

The Waterfall Faucet

What is a Waterfall Faucet?

As their name suggests, waterfall faucets are designed to let the water flow off them like a waterfall.  Some of them are beautiful pieces of art, similar to those you see at 5 star hotel washrooms.  Many of these waterfall faucets are designed to have the water flow onto a piece of glass, which makes it spread out and flow like natural falling water.
There are two types of waterfall faucets:  Those made for the bathroom and the ones for the kitchen.  I know this is a kitchen site, but I’ll talk about the bathroom waterfall bath faucet as well.

Waterfall Bathroom Faucet

These bathroom faucets are the ones that live up to their names.  They can really help give your bathroom a special look.  You can get one for the sink Waterfall Bath Faucetand the bathtub.  Installing a waterfall bathtub faucet can go a long way towards transforming your bathroom into your private, personal spa.  If you like to enjoy relaxing soaks in the tub, one of these will be a nice touch. Installing one in the bathroom sink is great as well.  Every time I go somewhere and wash my hands in one of these waterfall sinks, I get a good impression of the home, restaurant, or wherever I happen to be.

Waterfall Kitchen Faucet

Unlike the waterfall bath faucets, those in the kitchen are usually a bit different.  The reason is that bath faucets are stationary, kitchen sink faucets need to be mobile.  Flowing waterfalls don’t seem to move around very well.  That said, you can easily find a waterfall sink faucet designed for the kitchen.  These faucets have a high, arcing neck, and this is what gives it its name.

Delta Waterfall Faucet

Delta has a whole line of kitchen faucets bearing the waterfall name. They all have the high and curved necks and sleek stainless steel construction Delta Waterfall Faucetassociated with waterfall faucets.  Nearly each Delta waterfall kitchen faucet comes in three variations:  chrome, brilliance stainless steel, and white.  The price of each faucet depends on which material it is made out of.  The chrome ones are the least expensive, followed by the white faucets, and the stainless steel versions are the most expensive.  Prices for Delta’s waterfall line of kitchen faucets ranges from under $100 to over $400.  You can choose single handle or double handle faucets.  Additionally, some of the waterfall faucet sets come with soap dispensers and kitchen sprayers.

Kitchen Sink Taps

If you are looking to buy a kitchen sink tap, there are many, many to choose from.  Kitchen sink taps range from the cheap to the expensive, the simple to the luxurious.  There are various colors to choose from as well.  Here is a guide to the most popular sink taps available.

Brands of Kitchen Sink Taps

There are a few companies that seem to dominate the kitchen sink market.  Some of them focus on inexpensive models, others concentrate on high end sinks and taps, and some have huge product lines covering all types and prices of kitchen sinks and taps.  The most well known brands are Kohler, Moen, Price Pfister, Grohe, Delta, and Danze.

Kitchen Sink Mixer Taps

A kitchen sink mixer tap is a great innovation.  These faucets automatically mix air with the water.  The result is a stronger spray that uses less water than conventional kitchen taps.  If you are looking for something environmentally friendly that conserves water, these mixer faucets work great.  In addition, they save energy as well, because they use less hot water, which means your hot water heater doesn’t have to work as hard.

Kohler Kitchen Sink Taps

Kohler produces literally hundreds of sink taps, in all shapes and sizes.  They can be made out of chrome, stainless steel, brushed nickel, or bronze, and have many layouts.  Cheap Kohler sink taps start at around $50 for simple single handle models.  More expensive versions can reach into the hundreds of dollars or more for fancier types of taps.  Their most luxurious line seems to be the Kohler Karbon kitchen faucets.  These come in deck mount (on the sink) and wall mount versions.  What makes these sink taps unique is that they are fully articulating, meaning that they have 4 hinges that allow you to position the tap where you need it most.  It can go as low as 2 inches and as high as 13 inches above the sink.

Moen Kitchen Sink Taps

Moen is another company that covers the whole range of sink taps.  Their inexpensive taps are simple affairs with single handles.  You can actually get a Moen kitchen sink tap with an attached sprayer for only $34.95.  For a little bit more, you can get fantastic looking taps at bargain prices.  A good example of this is the Moen wide spread kitchen faucet, which features a 12 inch high cathedral spout, which arcs similar to waterfall kitchen faucets.  It has two handles that let you control water temperature better as well, and is a great deal at only $53.  If you are looking for cheap kitchen sink taps, Moen is great because they offer a warranty that will repair or replace your faucet if it leaks or drips.  This is good for as long as you own your home, or 5 years for businesses and commercial applications.
At the upper end of the price spectrum, Moen produces some great bronze kitchen sink taps as well.  The Moen Showhouse line of kitchen sink taps is truly innovative.  They have old-fashioned models made of bronze or wrought iron that look like what you would expect to see 100 years ago.  The Showhouse line also features creative new designs like pull-out faucets.  The tip of these taps pulls off and becomes a sprayer.

Farberware Parts

Farberware is a company that produces many different kitchen products and appliances.  In addition to a complete line of cookware, knives, and baking pans, the company also produces kitchen appliances like coffee makers, blenders, cookers, and toasters, among other things.  Sometimes appliances break or lose pieces.  When this happens, you need to find Farberware replacement parts to fix the appliance.  It is a bit harder to find a Farberware part than it is with some other popular brands.  You might have found that you can’t seem to locate the part that you need.  Here is my take on finding those Farberware replacement parts.

Farberware Coffee Maker Parts

One of the most common Farberware appliances sold is coffee makers.  This company makes coffee makers, percolators, and espresso machines.  The most common Farberware percolator parts that you might need to replace are the cord and the glass percolator top, which are available at Amazon and other online stores.  If you have a Farberware coffee maker and need a replacement filter or pot, you will be in for a tough search.  Farberware coffee pot parts are notoriously hard to come by.

Other manufacturers produce and sell replacement parts, but Farberware unfortunately doesn’t seem very interested in doing this.  Coffee pots crack and break all the time, and most people hate to throw the whole machine away when this happens.  Since Farberware coffee pot replacement parts are so rare, one thing you can try is finding another pot that will fit into your machine.  It won’t be an exact match, but you should be able to find something that works.

Other Farberware Repair Parts

Like the coffee makers, Farberware blender parts seem nowhere to be found.  It is easy to get a new oster, kitchenaid, or cuisinart replacement part, but Farberware doesn’t seem to offer these products. The same is true for other appliances that they produce.  It seems like the only thing that is available are Farberware coffee urn parts.  If you are looking for anything else, good luck.  You can visit their website and either email or call them here.  Due to their lack of parts, I am given no choice but to warn people to consider buying appliances that are made by another company.  For me, there is nothing worse than having to buy a whole new appliance simply because one little piece broke!  Before you choose a kitchen appliance make sure that replacement parts are available.  Farberware makes many other baking accessories that you don’t have to worry about breaking because they don’t have any parts.  Check out baking tins empire for more information.

Cheap Appliances

We are always on the lookout for cheap appliances.  Many of us don’t have much cash to spare, and when something breaks, you have no choice but to replace it.  There is an art to finding cheap kitchen appliances, and those who have mastered it can save some serious money.  Here is a guide to help you get the best products for your money.

Rule #1:  Shop around for cheap home appliances

It is no secret that the same exact product may vary in price tremendously, depending on where you buy it.  Stores know that once you are there, chances are you won’t remember how much things were at other places.  They also know that once people purchase a cheap appliance, it is usually too much of a pain to return it and buy it again somewhere else.  If you know you need something, check online to get a good idea of prices, even if you are going to buy it at a store.  You can spare yourself from getting gouged this way.

Rule #2:  Wait for cheap household appliances to go on sale

If you can wait for a few weeks, you can usually get a better deal.  How many times have you purchased a cheap kitchen appliance, only to find out that the same store you bought it from had it on sale a couple weeks later?  Big stores often deeply discount a few items to lure customers into the store because they know that once you are there, you will most likely buy a bunch of other stuff as well that isn’t on sale.  They love to discount cheap electrical appliances made in China.  I once got a waffle maker for $4.99 from one of these stores, and it is still working fine 6 years later.

Rule #3:  Consider buying a used appliance

For heavily used appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, electric coffee makers, and microwaves, you probably want to go with a new one.  Most houses have quite a few other appliances tucked away in the cupboard or closet that rarely see the light of day.  My waffle maker is a good example.  It works fine, but it only gets a workout once a month if it is lucky.  Sometimes a cheap kitchen appliance is tempting to buy, but in reality you won’t really use it much.

There was a time when I wanted one of those automatic bread maker machines.  They cost over $100 new at the store, which is pretty steep for something like that.  A couple weeks later, I saw one on sale for $2 at a yard sale.  I use it once in a while, but I usually find that it is cheaper to just buy bread at the store than to make it myself!  There are a lot of kitchen appliances that are cool to have around, but really don’t get much use.  A while ago, I went through a”juice” phase and got a second hand Jack LaLanne juicer that was awesome.  I don’t use it so much anymore, but am happy I didn’t have to dish out a lot of money for it.  Let someone else spend the big bucks to buy it new, and then get it from them for a few bucks at a garage sale!

Rule #4:  Consider fixing it yourself

These days, it is often less expensive to buy a new item than to try to fix it yourself.  The exception to this rule is washing machines, dryers, and other high priced units.  You can easily find cheap appliance parts online at the manufacturers website and then try to fix it yourself if you have the time and/or ability.  Last year I replaced the belt on my dryer, and it was actually quite easy.  Most people would have just scrapped it and bought a new one.  I fixed mine pretty quickly and it only cost $19.
I have to admit that it saddens me to see our landfills overflow with cheap home appliance debris.  Manufacturers actually design their products so they will break after a few years, and the majority of these products end up in the trash can.   They want their stuff to work long enough for you to have a good impression of the company, but not so long that you won’t need to buy another one from them!  Decades ago people used to buy things for their homes that were handmade and are almost indestructible.  Appliances for cheap prices just weren’t available then.  Times have surely changed, and it is quite rare to find a quality, hand made appliance that will last decades these days.

Red Kitchen Accessories

Kitchen accessories come in many different forms.  There are appliances like blenders, microwave ovens, toasters, and refrigerators.  There are small accessories like kitchen knives, hand mixers, and spatulas.  If you are the type of person who cares a lot about the colors in your kitchen, you might want to take a look at some red kitchen accessories.  In the restaurant business, it is no secret that red is a great color to be associated with food.  When people see the color red, they eat more.  Other colors are good for certain things, but red is definitely a good color for the kitchen.

Apart from renovating your entire kitchen, a good way to add some color is by getting red kitchen accessories.  We all purchase kitchen items now and then, and if you make a point to get red colored stuff when you go shopping, you will eventually have quite a bit of red in your kitchen.  Although not very common, it is possible to buy a red refrigerator.  You can get a retro style Smeg fridge that comes in red (they also come in all kinds of other cool colors too).  You can take a look at my post on the red microwave oven.  These large red kitchen accessories do a lot to add color to the room.

Another popular design that people often use in their kitchen is having both red and black as the dominant colors.  Red and black kitchen accessories complement each other very nicely.  You can decorate your entire kitchen with these two colors, including the furniture and cabinets if you like.  Finding appliances and other kitchen items in the color black is very easy.  Almost every appliance comes in either black or white.  Finding them in red is a bit trickier.  However, with a little perseverance, you can get your hands on red accessories for the kitchen without too much trouble.  An easy way to add some color into your kitchen is by selecting curtains that go well with the theme you have chosen.   For more information, learn how to choose kitchen curtains.