December 18, 2008 at 1:17 pm
· Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged beautiful, Brewing, Edition, Home, Keurig, kitchen, modern, Special, System, travel
By The Mad Hatter
If you’re reading this review, you’re most likely doing research and trying to decide between the Keurig line (B40,B50,B60), the Tassimo, or the Senseo. Out of those three, the Keurig is the best looking, the most durable, has the best heating and pumping mechanism, and has the largest variety of coffees and teas available. The Tassimo’s versatility is tempting, but variety of coffees is lacking, the machine is a first-run model that does not feel as quality as the Keurig (I could barely find a piece of metal in the entire thing), and it cannot be set to warm itself up like the Keurig. The Senseo isn’t bad and I may even consider getting it as a second machine, but it is kind of lame how you need two pods to brew an 8 oz cup of coffee. Considering the price of pods that I was looking at, it would outprice both the Keurig and the Tassimo for daily usage.
Between the Keurig models (B40,B50,B60), I spent a lot of time trying to decide and eventually went with the B60, mainly because the B60 is the only model that brews 3 different sizes of coffee–5.25, 7.25, and 9.25oz. The B50, a favorite amongst shoppers, does not offer the 9.25oz size. This large size allows my Oxo travel mug to almost completely fill after using one Extra Bold K-cup. As an added benefit of the B60, you get beautiful blue LEDs behind the display and the water tank, as well as a polished chrome handle and polished chrome outer-ring to the display. It looks very modern and very classy in my otherwise boring kitchen. Highly recommended.
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December 17, 2008 at 4:53 am
· Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged Amazon, Bagless, Canister, computer, Electronic, filter, floors, Hoover, Reviews, Vacuum
Amazon.com Review
Hoover’s latest canister stands out for its design-savvy looks, not to mention the fact that it cleans with powerful WindTunnel technology. Dirt particles are cleverly ducted away from the spinning agitators to ensure they’re captured in the bagless dirt cup and not sent back out onto the carpet. The HEPA filter traps minute allergen particles and conveniently removes for cleaning. Large, soft wheels allow the compact 12-amp vacuum–which looks like it could play a robot extra in Star Wars–to maneuver easily. Best of all, the handgrip features electronic control buttons for power on and off, variable suction (allowing smooth transition from wood floors to area rugs), and agitator action speed for carpets. Tools are easily attached to the telescoping wand, making it a snap to switch from cleaning floors to using drape and upholstery tools. A one-year warranty covers this unique vacuum against defects.
Product Description
WindTunnel Technology uses computer designed air ducts to provide a powerful dual air stream to enhance dirt pick up capabilities. The WindTunnel design also reduces the scattering of debris, common to many ordinary canisters. The WindTunnel Bagless Power Nozzle Canister with Electronic finger-touch variable speed control, remote fingertip power on/off and remote fingertip brush roll on/off, picks up more dirt than any other canister…period!
Product Description
Hoover S3765040 WindTunnel Electronic Bagless Canister Vacuum – Make quick work of cleaning your floors & carpets with this powerful canister vacuum from Hoover. It’s designed around Hoover’s patented WindTunnel technology that’s well known for it’s superior cleaning ability. This canister vacuum also features bagless debris storage for quick & easy clean-up! Includes – 6 foot hose, telescopic chrome wands, crevice tool, dusting brush, furniture nozzle, powered hand tool, deluxe floor brush, & a filter cleaning brush Color – Chrome
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December 15, 2008 at 6:21 am
· Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged accents, Aroma, Brew, Central, coffee, Coffeemaker, Cuisinart, Cup, filter, Gold, plastic, technology, warranty
Amazon.com Review
Strikingly retro in brushed stainless-steel with black-plastic accents, this 12-cup coffeemaker includes Cuisinart’s best brewing technology and premium features for ease and flexibility. The digital clock/timer is programmable for automatically brewing “wake-up” coffee at a selected time and for turning off the warming plate up to four hours in advance. Removing the glass carafe from the warming plate automatically pauses the brewing process for a quick pour, and the warming plate’s temperature can be adjusted. For maximum flavor, the machine can be set to brew one to four 5-ounce cups or five to twelve cups, and it includes a charcoal water filter. For convenience, a permanent Gold Tone filter eliminates messy paper filters and an indicator-light shows when decalcification is needed. The coffeemaker measures 14-1/4 inches high, 8 inches wide, and 10-3/4 inches deep (including carafe handle) and carries a three-year warranty against defects. –Fred Brack
Product Description
The Cuisinart automatic 12-cup coffee maker uses the same brewing system found in commercial coffeemakers so you can be assured of getting a truly satisfying cup of coffee. With its 12-cup capacity, you can bet the other 11 cups are going to be equally tasty. Easy to clean Gold Filter with easy swing-out basket Brew Pause Color – Black with brushed stainless-steel accents
Customer Reviews
By Pawel
Two weeks ago, I needed a new coffee maker. The Krups Aroma Control maker is in all the stores and catalogs, so I bought one in the local mall BEFORE reading the Amazon reviews. BIG MISTAKE. Lesson learned – read the reviews – many negative comments. I used it for 3 days, and readily understood the description (…) of “eye candy” (looks nice, but seems like cheap plastic) and weak coffee (what they describe as a feature – allowing the coffee to steep – is really a euphemism for a poorly designed system that is guaranteed to give you a weak cup of coffee). One redeeming feature – the carafe is very nice.
Within 2 days of having the Krups, i was on Amazon looking for a replacement coffee maker (a good cup of coffee is critical in the morning!). I went out on the risk curve and ordered the new Cuisinart – no reviews yet. The Cuisinart has a more classic brewing system (water goes through grinds via gravity), yields a delicious cup of HOT coffee, has a variable temperature hot place, and looks and feels solid. We happen to have stainless steel appliances (refrigerator, freezer, stove), and it matches beautifully. Best news – excellent coffee!. I would highly recommend the Cuisinart.
By Debbie
When my Braun FlavorSelect coffee maker unexpectedly stopped working, I had to scramble to find a new machine. I wanted another Braun, but unfortunately, they seem to have stopped making a 12 cup coffee maker. So I had to begin an intense search for a machine that had the features I wanted combined with good value. I finally found it with this Cuisinart model.
The advantages? For one, it makes excellent and HOT coffee. The carafe is solidly constructed and fits securely in square body so there’s no chance of someone accidentally knocking it loose. Because the lid fits tightly, the pour is precisely narrow and smooth, with no side leaks even when the pot is full. The basket fits inside the housing instead of swinging free like so many models which prevents a misalignment between the water and the filter; the conical (Krups/Braun style) basket accepts both paper filters and gold-tone, although I learned the hard way that not all gold filters fit. The timer is very easy to program, as is the clock. The carafe warmer can be set at low, medium, or high for the temperature that’s right for you. I found the “high” setting too hot since I drink my coffee black (I like my coffee hot but not scalding!), but those who add a lot of milk might appreciate it. The brewing is quick and efficient, with the process taking about a minute a cup, maybe less. The retro/stainless look complements most modern kitchen décors. There’s a 1-4 cup setting to make sure such small amounts stay hot, and you can select how long the warmer remains on. The pot beeps five times when brewing is complete and just before the warming plate shuts off. Parts are top rack dishwasher safe. It comes with a water filter system designed to improve the taste of the brew.
But the Cuisinart does have disadvantages. The water reservoir is located on the right side, in the back, which makes it a little challenging for lefties like me to dump the final bit of water inside even though the carafe pours very accurately. Although I haven’t yet missed the opening, I do struggle briefly with those last few drops unless I use my right hand. The housing is fairly tall, so if your counter space is only under the cabinets, you may not be able to lift the top in its entirety. (This is when the small rear reservoir becomes a major issue as you have to have room to completely lift the rather large top toward the back.) Clearance required: 7.5″ wide by 8.5″ deep of counter space with no overhead obstruction to pull out for filling OR 21.5″ of overhead space to fully lift top. Without the top open, the coffee maker measures 7.5″w x 8.5″d x 14.25″h.
If you have the space for this coffee maker, you’ll love it. I can’t attest to how long it will last, but, as it comes with a three year warranty, I’m hoping for a good run.
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December 13, 2008 at 12:44 am
· Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged burner, Caddie, ceramic, control, Electric, Gas, Grill, Patio, propane, spaces, spots
Customer Reviews
By Jeff
The Patio Caddie is a nice small grill-good for small spaces when you want the convenience of propane. It is well constructed and easy to use. Assembly is a bit of a pain, though nowhere near as bad as their old full size units. If you have a cordless screwdriver and can follow their instructions, it should take about 30 minutes to an hour. It’s very easy to use-a push button ignition, burner control on the front, and with the propane tank sitting down below, you have easy access to the valve. There are nice touches like a built in thermometer and a retainer clip so you can hinge the lid on the lip of the grill if you don’t have a place to put it when you have the lid off. It does generate a decent amount of heat for a single burner grill-just enough for searing, and the ceramic charcoals do much better than lava rocks. On the bad side, it’s hard to see the flame, so it’s not exactly easy to tell if you’ve sucessfully ignited the gas. An electronic battery operated ignition would be a lot nicer. And while easy to wheel around, the small propane tank doesn’t cut it-it doesn’t hold enough, and if you do the tank exchange instead of filling your old one, no one will accept it. It’s great for a small grill-a good step up from a small charcoal grill. If you have the space, you’ll be a lot happier with a full size grill. With multiple burners and a lot more BTU power, you’ll get better results with a full size grill-and many don’t cost much more than the patio caddy. But if you only have enough room for a small grill, this is one of the best on the market.
By Superstar
If you read other reviews people are giving this thing 5 stars and listing serious shortcomings… Here are mine.
Cons :
You have to cook with the lid on. Low with the lid on is 475 high is 525 degrees. Mother of Pearl!!! Steaks, fine. Ribs, forget it.
The assembly kit comes with two types of screws that are only 1/8 inch different in length. I used 2 of the longer ones someplace on my grill, then could not install the lid handle because what I had left was slightly too short.
The grill shipped with two parts missing and a sheet that said that if I happened to be missing any parts they would ship them to me at no charge… Hmmm….
There are significant hot and cold spots on the grill surface
Pros :
The form factor is perfect for my small balcony
The little tank makes it easy to move and to refill. It lasts forever too. No need for a biggie tank.
The ceramic grate doesn’t rust and is a snap to clean
The electric start is STILL WORKING!!!
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December 11, 2008 at 5:49 am
· Filed under Reviews ·Tagged Backpack, fruits, harmless, plants, Poly, Professional, recommend, Reviews, Sprayer, Stanley
Customer Reviews
By R. W. Milyard
I have a review on the SP2 backpack sprayer that you might want to read, as I recommend this sprayer instead. I picked my Stanley up at Sam’s for $45.00, and at 1/3 the price of the SP2 and better design features, I would highly recommend this sprayer above ALL others. You have adjustable pressure settings, you can pump it up sitting on a flat surface if you want. and it goes up to 60psi which means, unless you are spraying the tops of trees, it is more than adequate.
By Randall
I had a Solo backpack sprayer for two seasons. It never worked nearly as well as this sprayer and I threw it away because so much was wrong it was not worth fixing. I am very impressed with this sprayer. I cosidered the SP sprayer, but the price seemed a little steep and I heard from one user that replacement parts were very expensive. This really is a professional unit. Everything is substantial and it has a brass tip on the spray wand. At the price this is a real deal.
By JCHO
I have been using this to spray fertilizer on all my plants and fruits (foliar feed) 3-4 gallons once a week for a couple of months. The pumping action is good although it loses pressure quickly so you have to keep at it, but it’s not tiring. It could deliver a very strong spray at the highest pressure, more powerful than the 1 gallon handheld sprayers so it gets the job done quicker, plus need to refill every gallon now.
I looked at the solo sprayers some of them do not look like rebuild is easy or even possible. This stanley made by chaplin has all parts you can order for repair and is all listed in the manual.
The only mishap that caused a 4 star instead of 5 is that there was a leak by the hose one day, the hose clamp is plastic and cheap, even when tightened fully it leaked, down the back of my legs! Good thing I was only using harmless organic liquid and not pesticide.. I found a metal screw drive hose clamp in my parts bin and it has been working perfectly. I suggest anyone who buy this to replace the clamp like I do to prevent this problem.
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November 20, 2008 at 5:25 pm
· Filed under Reviews ·Tagged California, cost, filter, Filters, hand, Pitcher, Replacement, replacements
Customer Reviews
By Joanna Daneman
We always kept two boxes of these on hand as replacements when we used our Brita filter pitcher (we went to an in-line because we drink so much filtered water –we’d go through 40 gallons in no time, but that is a LOT of water.) There are three “gotcha’s” on these filters to be aware of:
1. Do not let the filter dry out. When the pitcher is empty, you should refill the reservoir right away. When the pitcher is full or partly full, the bottom of the filter is in the water and keeping moist.
2. The filter needs to be soaked and flushed exactly according to directions. Some of the charcoal packing comes off in the flushing process, and if you don’t take care of it, you will have specks in the water. This is no big problem, just something to be aware of.
3. Never put overly warm or hot water through the filter.
If you follow the directions, you will have, as we did, gallons of water that cost a lot less and taste as good or better than the water you buy in plastic containers in the supermarket.
By Bob Sacamano
In California the water tends to be very hard. I purchased an under the sink two stage water filtration system and thought the problem would be solved. The water still tasted bad so I bought a Brita pitcher filter. Unbelievable! It tasted so good. I think it’s because each filter has silver oxide particles mixed in with the charcoal and it softens the water very well. I wish I would have tried this filter first.
Since moving to the east coast I still find that these filters do a great job at making the water taste as good or better than bottled water at a fraction of the cost.
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November 19, 2008 at 5:31 am
· Filed under Lawn Mower Reviews ·Tagged American, Buying, Company, Electric, Guide, Lawn, Mower, Tips
Amazon.com Product Description
The business end of this hand pushed reel mower is solid, sharp, and easy to use, with five heat-treated, knife-sharp tempered alloy steel blades that can be adjusted for varying grass heights from 1/2 to 2-1/4 inches. With its 10-inch wheels, radial tires, 18-inch cutting width, and 2-inch welded shrub bar, this mower should enable you to cross whatever terrain and reach whatever hard-to-access rogue patches of grass you desire. Plus, the soft foam cushion on the handlebar is a nice — and much appreciated — touch. However, assembly can be a headache, even though the only tool you need is a wrench. The instructions could be clearer, and the handle parts could fit together better. This product is backed by a limited 2-year warranty.
Amazon.com Buying Guide
Five Tips for Buying a Mower
Choosing a lawn mower is a matter of sifting through a bewildering array of types, power ratings, and fuel sources. Let’s break it down a little to make the process easier.
What types of walk-behind mowers are there?
There are four basic choices: push reel, electric, cordless, and gas. All have strengths and weaknesses.
- Push reel mowers are powered by you. They’re quiet, they don’t need cords or recharging, and they don’t pollute. But on large lawns, you might not want the workout you get when using a push reel mower. They also tend to be less effective on grass taller than two inches.
- Electric mowers need to be plugged into an outlet to power them, which means you’re constrained by the location of power outlets, the length of your power cord, and any obstacles that may snag the cord. If you have a small yard but don’t want the forced exercise of using a push reel mower, an electric mower may be for you.
- Cordless mowers are powered by a rechargeable battery. You don’t have to deal with the hassles of keeping a cord plugged in, but battery life becomes a constraint. Depending on the battery capacity, the size of your yard, and the height of your grass, you may not be able to complete your mowing job on one charge.
- Gas mowers offer the most power, which is best if you’ll be mowing tall, dense grass or if your yard is larger than 2,000 square feet. But you will have to keep gas and oil on hand as well as keep the engine serviced.
What do all the power measurements mean?
All that matters to you is whether the lawn mower’s blade will spin fast enough to cut your grass. Unfortunately, mowers are rated in far more technical terms.
For gas mowers, there are three power measurements you may see:
- horsepower (hp) refers to the amount of power the engine can produce;
- torque is the amount of horsepower that is transferred to the blade;
- cc (cubic centimeters) is another to measure an engine’s power based on the displacement volume of its cylinders.
There also are two types of engines: two-stroke (also referred to as two-cycle) and four-stroke (or four-cycle). Conventional wisdom is that two-stroke engines offer more power but also more pollution.
For electric and cordless mowers, power often is measured in volts, amps, or watts. To satisfy your inner techie, here’s how to calculate the horsepower:
27. Multiply the volts by the amps to get the wattage.
28. Divide the wattage by 746 to get the horsepower.
More horsepower doesn’t always mean more cutting power. That’s why, starting in 2007, most lawnmower manufacturers began rating walk-behind lawn mowers in torque power or cc’s–not horsepower. If torque isn’t available for a gas mower, higher cc figures usually mean higher torque (and more fuel used per stroke, incidentally).
However, you don’t want to buy a mower based on the power measurement alone. Make sure it has the features, warranty, and quality of reviews you’re seeking.
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November 18, 2008 at 5:58 am
· Filed under Artificial Flora ·Tagged Artificial, free, Indoor, Outdoor, plastic, shipping, states, Tree
Product Features
- Each with approx. 1000 Leaves, a total of 2000 Leaves
- Height approx. 48″ Width approx. 15″
- Made of plastic, used for both indoor and outdoor display
- Pot Included
Product Description
Containers Included. Trees are neat and beautiful yet cleaning and hassle free! Shipping charge quoted applies to the buyers within the 48 contiguous U.S. states ONLY. For orders shipping to other states or country, please contact us first for shipping quote. Size may be slightly different depends on how you shape it. Size meassured from very bottom to very tip, some may need assembly.
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November 17, 2008 at 4:33 am
· Filed under Reviews ·Tagged Amazon, Christmas, GKI/Bethlehem, Lights, Reviews, Tree
Product Description
Amazon.com Review
From the company that has decorated famous Christmas settings like Chicago’s State Street and Dollywood comes professional-grade holiday trimmings to deck the halls of your home. GKI/Bethlehem Lighting’s 7-1/2-foot Glacier tree faithfully reproduces the lush fullness of a freshly cut evergreen with 1,280 tips of rounded mixed foliage, a generous sprinkling of removable pinecones, and a light covering of icy frost. Offering an ideal conical shape with enough variation to still look organic, the tree can be viewed equally well from every side to showcase all the favorite family ornaments and garland. It also comes pre-strung with 700 clear and white frosted lights nestled into the branch layers. Using an individual lock-in method, each bulb stays firmly in place and operates independently of the others so one burnout won’t cast the whole tree into un-festive (and frustrating!) darkness. Fire-retardant, fade-proof, and crush-resistant, the tree stands securely on a metal stand and features heavy-duty wire branch construction so it looks crisp and perfect all season long. When it’s time to pack away, the included carton stores this showpiece safely without damage to needles. The tree measures 66 inches in diameter and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
–Kara Karll
Product Description
The Glacier collection recreates nature’s stunning artwork with a delicate touch of frost accented by clear and white frosted lights. Rounded mixed tipped foliage adorned with pinecones project an added touch of realism–just as you’d expect in the forest! GKI/Bethlehem Lights build their trees with lifelike foliage and a safety-conscious design. They use only flame-retardant materials. Sturdy bases and trunks add stability to keep each tree firmly planted in an upright position.
Customer Reviews
By Restless consumer
Was at first a little concerned when box opened and the tree seemed *really* frosted (edging very close to tacky), but as tree went up, and branches spread – I could see the frosting was concentrated on the tips, making the overall appearance closer to the one in the picture here. Also, at first there seemed to be a lot of space between branches, but each main branch is composed of a bunch of smaller branches that are individually wired and need to be separated from each other. Once this job is done, the tree really starts looking beautiful. Plug in the lights, and the tree goes from beautiful to spectacular.
By Mom
I bought this tree on sale after Christmas, and just set it up for the first time. I’ve never had an artificial tree before so didn’t quite know what to look for. It is a pretty tree–especially in dim light and when you are at least three feet away. When you look too closely it looks very fake to me, partly because of the white flocking on the tips of the branches, and partly because the needles look like they are made of an easter grass material. It does not look like a cheap tree, but it does not look like one of the expensive trees with molded needles either. I would like the tree better without the flocking on the branch tips and pine cones. The lights look nice, good quantity and well placed. The branches hang to the ground, not leaving much room for presents.
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November 16, 2008 at 4:55 pm
· Filed under Reviews ·Tagged Fragrance Oil, Home, Home Fragrance, Home Fragrance Oil, Reviews
Product Description
Scent personality: Fill your home with a sumptuous tropical fruit fragrance, perfect for setting a party mood. Notes: honeydew melon, black currant, strawberry, ripe melon, green apple peel, candy floss, peach Recommended use: Half fill the well of any The Body Shop® oil burner with water and add a few drops of The Body Shop® Home Fragrance Oil. Place a tea light centrally into the base of the burner and light. Extinguish the flame when the desired level of fragrance has been achieved. Do not leave the tea light burning for longer than 20 minutes and never leave it unattended.
Important Information
Directions
The Body Shop Home Fragrance Oils and Aromatherapy Essential Oils should be used with water. (Add 5 drops of oil to 0.2 fl oz of water.) More/less can be added/removed depending on how strong/weak you want to fragrance a room.
Customer Reviews
By miz.couture
OMGosh this is the BEST smelling anyting i have ever smelled. if heaven had a scent, i swear this could be it!! i even like to sprinkle some into my sheets when i make the bed in the morning. i cant describe the flavor because its like a medley of all things delicious. i can only say i wish this was edible, it really smells that good. the only body shop oil that even comes close to this in my opinion, (theyre all pleasant enough, but this is absolutely killer) is the marshmellow. i cant say enough about the exotic though, no home fragrance oil will ever come close to this. & i can comfortably stake my word on that
7.50 is alot for some oil, and the way i use it doesnt particularly last long, but this is worth 7.50+
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