Cuisinart CSC-650 Slow Cooker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did quite a bit of research before purchasing this slow cooker.

America's Test Kitchen recommends West Bend Versatility slow cooker. It is a truly versatile model, but I didn't like its aluminum insert. As you may know, aluminum can be hazardous to health, so this slow cooker was scratched off my list pretty quickly.

The other models I looked at were All-Clad Stainless Steel Slow Cooker (available from William Sonoma only), Farberware Millennium (also recommended by America's Test Kitchen), Cuisinart CSC-650 and various Rival models ("various Rival models" has an interesting ring to it :) ).

All of the latest slow cookers are made in China, so I was somewhat concerned about the construction quality. One of the main reasons I picked Cuisinart model was a 3-year warranty, compared to just 1 year for the rest of the competition.

Another factor was the generally positive feedback from CSC-650 owners. Cooking.com is probably a better place to check for reviews, because they let you post a review only if you actually purchased that particular item from them.

I had this baby delivered to me about a week ago, and I put it to work right away. I must say I am satisfied with my purchase decision. Having said that, here's a list of things that I do and don't like about this machine...

Do Like:
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- 3-year warranty (1 year for every other slow cooker I researched)

- retractable cord (I wish every appliance had it!)

- cooks well (overall), and no, it doesn't burn food as some reviewers have indicated

- construction quality seems to be good, although it is impossible to say for sure until appliance is a couple of years old

Don't Like:
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- stainless steel housing gets stained quite easily, should have been more fingerprint-resistant

- "Made in China": $99 is a premium price to pay for an item that was manufactured using cheap labor; manufacturers who reap huge profits from the North American market should invest into the local labor market

- cooks most things faster than recipies (even the ones included in Cuisinart booklet) indicate, so you have to keep an eye on your food to make sure it doesn't overcook

After purchasing the slow cooker, I headed straight to the local bookstore to pick up a recipe book. I skimmed through about 6-7 titles, and ended up buying Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook by Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufmann. Most of its recipies are made from scratch and rarely use any canned ingridients. It also seems to have the best overall collection of recipies.

Yesterday, I had a few friends over and we had ourselves a feast. I cooked quite a few things in the slow cooker:

- Lamb Goulash (which was ruined/overcooked - the first thing I ever done in this slow cooker)

- Chicken Casseatore (not sure about spelling, it's from the Cuisinart booklet) came out nicely, it was around the time that I started looking closely after the cooking process.

- Short Ribs In Red Wine were perfect, here, again, the cooking time was 5 hours instead of 7 hours indicated in the recipe.

Overall, I am happy. I didn't experience any of the problems reported by some reviewers. I can safely recommend this appliance.

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Product Description:
Cuisinart Slow Cooker has 6 quart Ceramic cooking vessel and brushed stainless steel housing embossed with Cuisinart logo

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Pfaltzgraff Holiday Garland 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4 Review

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(More customer reviews)I WAS LUCKY TO PURCHASE TWO OF THESE WHEN IT WAS ON SALE.WOW, WHAT A GREAT BUY!SINCE IT IS A HOLIDAY ITEM, I HAVE NOT USED YET, BUT LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING THIS DINNERWARE GRACE MY TABLE AT CHRISTMAS.WELL WORTH THE PRICE.

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Product Description:
Pfaltzgraff Holiday Garland 16-piece dinnerware set.Service for four includes: four of each - dinner plates, salad plates, mugs and soup/cereal bowls.

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DeLonghi EC460 Espresso Maker Review

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(More customer reviews)The title says it all. You can not beat this machine for the price its at. I've had other machines in the < $200 price range, and they don't compare. Its easy to use, its got a sexy design that compliments a contemporary kitchen, but most off all, it makes a great espresso. Each cup has a thick amount of crema that remains after you stir the espresso. The two boilers are great; the espresso never comes out burnt. Its easy to clean, as all the parts rinse clean, or can be taken apart fast and easy for a heavy duty clean.

A few things they don't tell you. It's mostly plastic, although it's referred to as Stainless Steal. However it's still pretty beefy. The drip tray and warming plate are both HEAVY DUTY chrome, as well as the frother. The portafilter is heavy duty (very sturdy) and you have your choice of two filter inserts (one for single espresso's and PODs and one for doubles). Because they are removable, its sometimes difficult to tamp the grinds into the trash with out the insert following. A little practice and you'll get it down. The warming tray doesn't really heat up to warm, and it takes a while. I suggest warming the cups with hot water from the machine. Lastly, the machine itself is pretty big. I expected it to be smaller. It's not a problem for me, but if you have a small kitchen, keep this in mind.

In the end, it's a really great machine. Its much better then the Saeco I had previously. It gets 5 stars from me when comparing it to other machines at this price point!

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Product Description:
DeLonghi is proud to introduce their new Espresso Maker . Kick back and enjoy a great cup of espresso from your new machine it's easy and great tasting two of the most important things in an espresso machine. It has so many great features we don't know where to begin. This machine offers two seperate Thermostats that allow you to control both water and steam temperature, it automatically self primes, Stainless Steel warming plate for warm ready to use cups, Heavy-duty chrome removable drip tray, 1.5 liter removable water tank, patented dual-function filter holder and much more. This unit will make that perfect Espresso to start your morning off right.

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Gourmet Standard 8 Quart Pasta Insert - CT11776 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We used two of these for a big church spaghetti dinner. They were perfect! Allowed us to get lots of pasta cooked prior to everyone walking in the door, and made the straining process of said large quantities much easier than trying to pour out giant cascades of water.

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Product Description:
Gourmet Standard's Pasta Insert will fit the 8 quart stock pots in our Tri-Ply, Copper Tri-Ply and our Copper Bottom series of cookware. This versatile Insert will work as the colander when it's time to drain the pasta or vegetables after cooking, Our pasta insert will also work as a steamer, so you can steam up those fresh vegetables for a healthier lifestyle.

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Wallace 92 pc Arlington Flatware Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was a little disappointed with the weight, but for the price, it is very pretty and sturdy. It came in a pretty quickly. I really liked how the knives match the set - they look just like the butter knives with a sharp edge. So it goes perfectly with the set. Can be used for casual or formal dinnerware.

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Product Description:
The Arlington set provides everything you need for your table. The service for12 includes 12 each: dinner forks, salad forks, dinner knives, teaspoons, & dinner spoons. It also includes a hostess set with two serving spoons, two cold meat forks, a pierced table spoon, a pie server, a butter knife, & sugar spoon . You also get 12 extra teaspoons and 12 steak knives.

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Stainless Steel Electric Wok by Trudeau 82-3018 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had a farberware electric wok for years, it was always in use, but it gave up. So a friend replaced it with this as a gift, it is like cooking over a votive candle. It just doesn't heat up and stay hot well, deep fat frying-tempura- is a joke. The element just doesn't do anything. Very disappointed in it. Don't waste your money as they are pricey.

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Product Description:
This beautiful stainless steel electric wok by Trudeau is perfect for creating fast and healthy meals. The 1000 watt heating element and the non stick cooking surface provide superior cooking performance. The wok features a variable temperature control, an aluminum capsule bottom for better heat distribution, a tempura rack and a wooden spatula. The set also inlcudes a glass lid with a knob and steam vent. 1 Year Warranty. 12.5 inches

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Calphalon Simply Enamel 12 Piece Set, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought these pans to replace the plethora of misc pots and pans I've collected over the years. They are a great value. These pans are in the price range of your typical Costco Farberware or T-Fal set, but are far superior. They heat evenly and fast and the nonstick is the best I've ever used. And although they're heavier than your typical budget cookware, they are not as heavy as, say, Calphalon One. Also, the handles on the lids and the pans stay nice and cool (unlike the Calphalon One pieces I had). They have a 10-year warranty which is enough. In 10 years we'll all be using some kind of reverse-engineered alien technology to cook with anyway.I also went out and bought a set of Calphalon nylon utensils to go with these pans and they are a match made in heaven.

One word of advice. As per the Calphalon instructions (and I never knew this), DO NOT use non-stick spray like PAM with your pans. The propellant in the spray will ruin the nonstick finish. This is easily the culprit that ruined all of my other sets (inlcuding my Calphalon One pans). They also won't honor the warranty if you use it. Use an olive oil mister or a little butter instead.

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Product Description:
An ideal choice for cooking enthusiasts on a budget, the Simply Calphalon cookware line is constructed to meet Calphalon's strict standards for performance and durability. And it balances elegant good looks with its glossy black enamel exterior with a superb, easy-cleaning nonstick interior. This 12-piece set includes 1- and 4-quart saucepans (each with lids), a 12-inch covered omelette pan, 3-quart covered saute pan, 8-quart covered stockpot, and 8- and 10-inch open skillets.
The pans are constructed of medium-gauge aluminum for even heating, and they feature a black porcelain enamel exterior that is highly resistant to food odors, moisture and scratches. The two-layered nonstick coating in each pan offers superior release, easy clean up, and extended performance. The domed tempered glass covers with silicone handle make it easy to monitor foods while they cook. And finally the durable, dual-riveted cast stainless steel handles are complemened with silicone accents for both comfort and heat resistance. The pans are oven safe to 400 degrees F. Hand wash only. Backed by a 10-year warranty.
What's in the Box
12-piece set includes 1- and 4-quart saucepans (each with lids), a 12-inch covered omelette pan, 3-quart covered saute pan, 8-quart covered stockpot, and 8- and 10-inch open skillets

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