Re: blenders and crock pots and toaster ovens (Oh my!)

[Guest guest]

Ebay has a great selection of Vitamix's right now!

Deanna

> Blenders- I think I am going to finally splurge on a vitamix. Where should

> I buy, and how much should I pay for one? Costco has them for $650, and

> that is just ever so slightly out of my price range (rolls eyes.)

>

>

[Guest guest]

I broke the lid to my Rival 6 qt crockpot and was not impressed with their

customer service (they still sell the crockpot but can't sell me a lid).

So I bought the new Hamilton Beach 6 or 6.5 qt (they do make a bigger one

too, I think). Mine has the " stay and go " lid with the seal and the latch

so I can take the thing in the car. I would have liked to splurge and get

the one with the probe, but really don't need that, so I didn't. I like

all the settings (there are manual and automatic settings). So far (4

uses) we love it. I think I paid around $35 at Target on sale.

e

On Wed, Feb 15, 2012 at 10:14 PM, Carol Frisk <carolfrisk@...> wrote:

> **

>

>

> when it rains, it pours, and all my small appliances are biting the dust.

>

> Blenders- I think I am going to finally splurge on a vitamix. Where should

> I buy, and how much should I pay for one? Costco has them for $650, and

> that is just ever so slightly out of my price range (rolls eyes.)

>

> I also need a new large capacity crock pot. Any suggestions? Must be at

> least 6.5 qts.

>

> And also looking for toaster oven recommendations. We have had ours for 15

> years and we like it a lot, but the handle fell off.

>

> thanks,

> Carol

>

>

[Guest guest]

Regarding the crock pot...my personal opinion is don't bother. Most/all

crockpots have lead in them, and due to regulations they can no longer maintain

a low heat. So even the low setting ends up boiling your food. Some roasters

with a temperature dial can maintain lower temps that won't overcook your food,

but you still have the lead and cadmium issues. A much better bet would be to

get an enameled cast iron french oven. I LOVE my Le Creuset, which I got on

sale from the outlet in Albertville. It was $200 for a 5.5 qt, and I use it

like a crock pot, leaving on the stove or in the oven all day/night to slow-cook

food. Guaranteed no lead or cadmium, and you control the temp. I use it every

day, and everything that comes out of it is amazing. Seriously, this thing

makes me look like an awesome cook! It is a must-have in every traditional

foods kitchen. Please avoid the Martha and Lodge brands, as they do not

have safe finishes and are also known for chipping. If it's cheap, stay away

from it; this is something worth saving up for.

Hope that helps!

Alyssa

>

> when it rains, it pours, and all my small appliances are biting the dust.

>

> Blenders- I think I am going to finally splurge on a vitamix. Where should

> I buy, and how much should I pay for one? Costco has them for $650, and

> that is just ever so slightly out of my price range (rolls eyes.)

>

> I also need a new large capacity crock pot. Any suggestions? Must be at

> least 6.5 qts.

>

> And also looking for toaster oven recommendations. We have had ours for 15

> years and we like it a lot, but the handle fell off.

>

> thanks,

> Carol

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh, and one quick note about Vitamix - avoid the old plastic ones that contain

bpa.

>

> when it rains, it pours, and all my small appliances are biting the dust.

>

> Blenders- I think I am going to finally splurge on a vitamix. Where should

> I buy, and how much should I pay for one? Costco has them for $650, and

> that is just ever so slightly out of my price range (rolls eyes.)

>

> I also need a new large capacity crock pot. Any suggestions? Must be at

> least 6.5 qts.

>

> And also looking for toaster oven recommendations. We have had ours for 15

> years and we like it a lot, but the handle fell off.

>

> thanks,

> Carol

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Great point about the finishes and about the lead in crockpots. But leads

me to another question.

For those of you who leave things simmering all day or all night, how do you

handle the safety issues? I can't bring myself to leave an open flame all

night when we are sleeping or if no one will be home all day.

Do you use the Le Creuset in the oven to do broths at a low simmer?? And in

that case do you feel safe leaving them all night b/c the oven is safer than

the stove top??

There are definitely days where my broth does not get made b/c I do not want

to use a crock pot and haven't managed to get the pot on the stove early

enough in the day or b/c the house will be empty!

Thanks

Josie

From: [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Alyssa

Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 11:30 AM

Subject: Re: blenders and crock pots and toaster ovens (Oh my!)

Regarding the crock pot...my personal opinion is don't bother. Most/all

crockpots have lead in them, and due to regulations they can no longer

maintain a low heat. So even the low setting ends up boiling your food. Some

roasters with a temperature dial can maintain lower temps that won't

overcook your food, but you still have the lead and cadmium issues. A much

better bet would be to get an enameled cast iron french oven. I LOVE my Le

Creuset, which I got on sale from the outlet in Albertville. It was $200 for

a 5.5 qt, and I use it like a crock pot, leaving on the stove or in the oven

all day/night to slow-cook food. Guaranteed no lead or cadmium, and you

control the temp. I use it every day, and everything that comes out of it is

amazing. Seriously, this thing makes me look like an awesome cook! It is a

must-have in every traditional foods kitchen. Please avoid the Martha

and Lodge brands, as they do not have safe finishes and are also

known for chipping. If it's cheap, stay away from it; this is something

worth saving up for.

Hope that helps!

Alyssa

>

> when it rains, it pours, and all my small appliances are biting the dust.

>

> Blenders- I think I am going to finally splurge on a vitamix. Where should

> I buy, and how much should I pay for one? Costco has them for $650, and

> that is just ever so slightly out of my price range (rolls eyes.)

>

> I also need a new large capacity crock pot. Any suggestions? Must be at

> least 6.5 qts.

>

> And also looking for toaster oven recommendations. We have had ours for 15

> years and we like it a lot, but the handle fell off.

>

> thanks,

> Carol

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

When I was looking for a crockpot, I googled as much as I could about the lead

issue, and seems to be a non-issue really...

http://www.terminalverbosity.com/2009/11/09/the-skinny-on-lead-in-crock-pots-it-\

may-surprise-you/

http://www.stacymakescents.com/the-great-crock-pot-lead-debate

I just got the Hamilton Beach Set and go programable with thermometer (from

Kohls, they price match!!)....I like it so far. It does automatically turn off

after 14 hours, so, I make sure to power it down and reprogram before going to

bed. You can choose to set manually (low or high) or you can choose the

thermometer for roasts (it turns to warm when desired temp is met) or you can

program it in 2 hour increments and then it swiches to warm after that time. And

low does not 'boil' it, a few bubbles rise here and there when full. It does

bubble more if the liquid level is low though, but that is logical.

I choose not to use a stove or oven, as I have a gas model. And more than once

(in the winter/drafts) the 'low' burner has gotten blown out...and of course I

don't figure it out until I start smelling something gassy! So I'd rather not

trust my gas stove on all night.

[Guest guest]

For high end purchases, try going to a restaurant supply place. Our local one

has a used section in the back and I picked up a used a vita-mix for $85 and a

stainless steel Norwalk Juicer for $125. Needed another $125 for parts (just the

press plate, funnel, mesh bags, instruction manual). The Norwalk's go for over

$1,800 new. Both of these items are built to last a life-time. I use my Vita-mix

daily for smoothies, herbal concoctions, etc. The Norwalk makes nut butters,

wheatgrass, juices, presses herbs for tinctures, etc. You might want to call

around and see if they have a refurbished/used section before driving around.

 

Also check craigslist.com for high-end items for cheaper.

 

-

________________________________

From: Kullander <flight_goddess@...>

Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 1:54 PM

Subject: RE: Re: blenders and crock pots and toaster ovens (Oh my!)

When I was looking for a crockpot, I googled as much as I could about the lead

issue, and seems to be a non-issue really...

http://www.terminalverbosity.com/2009/11/09/the-skinny-on-lead-in-crock-pots-it-\

may-surprise-you/

http://www.stacymakescents.com/the-great-crock-pot-lead-debate

I just got the Hamilton Beach Set and go programable with thermometer (from

Kohls, they price match!!)....I like it so far. It does automatically turn off

after 14 hours, so, I make sure to power it down and reprogram before going to

bed. You can choose to set manually (low or high) or you can choose the

thermometer for roasts (it turns to warm when desired temp is met) or you can

program it in 2 hour increments and then it swiches to warm after that time. And

low does not 'boil' it, a few bubbles rise here and there when full. It does

bubble more if the liquid level is low though, but that is logical.

I choose not to use a stove or oven, as I have a gas model. And more than once

(in the winter/drafts) the 'low' burner has gotten blown out...and of course I

don't figure it out until I start smelling something gassy! So I'd rather not

trust my gas stove on all night.

 

                       

[Guest guest]

>Please avoid the Martha and Lodge brands, as they do not have safe

finishes and are also known >for chipping.

Does that just apply to the enameled French ovens?? I got a Lodge Logic cast

iron skillet and dutch oven for Christmas... are those bad, too?

Thanks!

Bethany

[Guest guest]

Correct, I was referring to avoiding Martha and Lodge enameled products

because the ebamel they use is inferior and not safe. Lodge cast iron without

enamel is great, though! I love mine, although I do highly recommend scrubbing

their soy-based seasoning off and reseasoning the pan when you first get it.

Coconut oil works great, or you can just make bacon and enjoy the double benefit

of a seasoned pan AND yummy bacon

On a related note, enameled stainless steel might seem like a more affordable

alternative to enameled cast iron, but keep in mind that ss doesn't conduct heat

nearly as well as iron does, so the cooking quaity is very different.

Alyssa

>

> >Please avoid the Martha and Lodge brands, as they do not have safe

finishes and are also known >for chipping.

>

> Does that just apply to the enameled French ovens?? I got a Lodge Logic cast

iron skillet and dutch oven for Christmas... are those bad, too?

>

> Thanks!

> Bethany

>

>

[Guest guest]

Correct, I was referring to avoiding Martha and Lodge enameled products

because the ebamel they use is inferior and not safe. Lodge cast iron without

enamel is great, though! I love mine, although I do highly recommend scrubbing

their soy-based seasoning off and reseasoning the pan when you first get it.

Coconut oil works great, or you can just make bacon and enjoy the double benefit

of a seasoned pan AND yummy bacon

On a related note, enameled stainless steel might seem like a more affordable

alternative to enameled cast iron, but keep in mind that ss doesn't conduct heat

nearly as well as iron does, so the cooking quaity is very different.

Alyssa

>

> >Please avoid the Martha and Lodge brands, as they do not have safe

finishes and are also known >for chipping.

>

> Does that just apply to the enameled French ovens?? I got a Lodge Logic cast

iron skillet and dutch oven for Christmas... are those bad, too?

>

> Thanks!

> Bethany

>

>

[Guest guest]

An alternative to Vitamix is Blendtec, which is also sold at Costco. We have

both, and the Blendtec outperforms the Vitamix with much greater power and the

square-shaped container is easier to pour more of the contents and much easier

to clean. Costco has sales on these from time to time.

Dave

>

> when it rains, it pours, and all my small appliances are biting the dust.

>

> Blenders- I think I am going to finally splurge on a vitamix. Where should

> I buy, and how much should I pay for one? Costco has them for $650, and

> that is just ever so slightly out of my price range (rolls eyes.)

>

> I also need a new large capacity crock pot. Any suggestions? Must be at

> least 6.5 qts.

>

> And also looking for toaster oven recommendations. We have had ours for 15

> years and we like it a lot, but the handle fell off.

>

> thanks,

> Carol

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was looking at vitamix and blendtec models and got quickly overwhelmed.

Anyone who knows their stuff that can comment on models?

Jaxi

On Sat, Feb 18, 2012 at 6:08 PM, Dave <countryblossomhoney@...> wrote:

> An alternative to Vitamix is Blendtec, which is also sold at Costco. We

> have both, and the Blendtec outperforms the Vitamix with much greater power

> and the square-shaped container is easier to pour more of the contents and

> much easier to clean. Costco has sales on these from time to time.

>

> Dave

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>Correct, I was referring to avoiding Martha and Lodge enameled products

because the ebamel they use is inferior and not safe.

What is unsafe about them? Do you have any further information?

barb

[Guest guest]

Its been over a year since I've done the digging, and I'm on my phone right now

so don't have access to what might still be on my computer. But we have a

general rule at our house that we don't buy cookware or dishes made in China

because of the questionable (at best) materials used. At the cheap prices, you

can almost expect lead and cadmium to be present and the finish to chip. So we

avoid them for the same reason we avoid toys from China (or anywhere if they're

super cheap). We put so much effort into sourcing safe, high quality food, why

would we bring questionable cookware into our home?

All decisions, whether about which food to buy, which doctor to go to, or what

to cook our food in, need to be educated decisions. I rarely find the bargain

food/doctor/cookware to be the best.

Alyssa

>

> >Correct, I was referring to avoiding Martha and Lodge enameled

products

> because the ebamel they use is inferior and not safe.

>

> What is unsafe about them? Do you have any further information?

>

> barb

>