Category "equipment"

How does the power setting on a microwave work?

In general, how does the microwave power setting work? Is it a straight percentage of the maximum wattage or is it something less precise? For example, would t

How do you reduce static in a coffee grinder?

Is there a way to reduce/eliminate the static buildup in a burr grinder? I've tried a few different coffee grinders and inevitably on removing the grinds bin,

What to consider when learning to make sushi at home?

I like eating sushi and think it would be a fun experiment to attempt making sushi at home. I've seen rolls put together in a restaurant a couple times - looks

Removing turmeric colour from mortar and pestle

We have a large granite (I think) mortar and pestle, and while keeping it clean generally doesn't seem too difficult, I have absolutely no idea how to avoid it

Is it possible to cook a meatloaf using clear glass Pyrex containers?

Still trying to restock my kitchen pans after my recent move and am on a budget, but what I do have is as set of clear pyrex, that looks about like this set: ht

Where can I find left-handed serrated knives?

I recently discovered that the reason I hate cheese knives (but love cheese) is because they are made to work for right-handed people. So where can I buy a (re

DIY blender lid replacement

I just got a used Braun MX32 CDN from a thrift store. It's in great shape. Unfortunately, it came with a lid from some other model that apparently somebody tr

How to clean a big butcher block?

I've seen huge butchers blocks that essentially is a table with a butcher block top. How do you clean such a thing if you can't wash it in the sink? Should thos

Does using a larger slow cooker than called for by the recipe make a difference?

I have a recipe that specifically calls for a 4-quart slow cooker, however the slow cooker that I own is a 6-quart. Will using a 6-quart slow cooker make a diff

Are any retail vacuum-sealing systems worth the expense?

Living alone means that my leftovers tend to go a pretty long way, and I don't end up using raw ingredients as quickly as the supermarkets expect me to. For a

Thermometers for high temperature ovens

Are there any thermometers that you can put in clay ovens, or under a broiler? Most of the thermometers have a temperature limit of 350 ~ 400 degrees. I actual

Can I use a Wok ring on a gas range?

I have just purchased a GE Cafe gas range. The user guide indicates: Do not use a wok on the cooking surface if the wok has a round metal ring that is place

What is a kitchen rag?

In his answer to a question about nail biting, nicorellius referred to not wiping your hands with the "kitchen rag". I've never worked in a professional kitchen

Is copper cookware really better than stainless steel?

This is somewhat related to the question about copper vs. cast iron, but this is about copper vs. pure stainless steel. I had an old stainless steel stockpot th

Toaster Oven pan Without The Toaster Oven

Growing up, my parents had a couple of little, 2 layer pans that came with Toast-R-Ovens (The appliance themselves had been lost or broke, but the pans remained

Advantages of using a non-glass teapot?

I currently have a borosilicate glass teapot. Glass seems to have the advantage that it will not absorb flavours and so can be used for all styles of tea. W

Why is the dishwasher not recommended for my All-Clad MC2 line of pot and pans?

I just looked on the All-Clad website (faq 7 and faq 13). It says that because the MC2 has a brushed aluminum alloy exterior, it mush be hand washed. Why is the

What are the uses for a roasting pan? Do I really need a roasting pan?

We registered for a roasting pan and it has been sitting around taking up a lot of space. Do I really need this or is this a "one-tasker" as Alton Brown would s

What are frying pan ridges for?

I expect frying pans with raised ridges are for a few purposes such as adding "grill lines" to meats and keeping food out of grease somewhat as it collects. Wh

Which torch to buy for finishing sous vide meat? Butane or propane?

I have started cooking sous vide and am thinking of buying a torch to finish off the meat. I have seen stores selling little butane torches for creme brulees, b