Tips on Kitchen Equipment

For the dishwasher or microwave to get our attention, it usually has to stop working.  But that shouldn't be the case. If we don't treat our appliances with care, they are likely to mistreat us. Does a dishwasher need cleaning? If so, why and how? What shouldn't be heated in a microwave? Below are responses to these questions and other important matters concerning these appliances from 3 scientists who serve on our site's Advisory Board and from companies that manufacture these appliances.

Selecting cookware for your home can be a difficult decision. There are so many types and brands, each advertising its great features while making no mention of its limitations or problems. How is a consumer to know what to believe and what to purchase?  Which type is safest? Which cooks best?  Which is easiest to use and clean? Which is most durable? Which is the best buy?  In search of answers to these questions, we did some Internet research and asked two of the scientists on our Advisory Board— food scientist Dr. Karin Allen and food process engineer Dr. Tim Bowser--to discuss public concerns about cookware safety, advantages and disadvantages of various types of cookware, and recommended brands.  Click on “Read More” below to reach links to 9 Q/As on cookware.

Whatever cookware you choose, it’s not a life and death decision. Dr. Allen offers this reassurance: “When used as intended, all types of commercially available cookware are perfectly safe.”  The implied warning is this:  Read the instructions!