Tips on Kitchen Equipment

The Right Care for Your Dishwasher and Microwave

Dishwasher getting vinegar treatmentFor 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.

Kitchen Gifts for Newlyweds or New Grads

kitchen tools with siliconeBridal showers, weddings, college graduations, housewarming parties--all these suggest that a kitchen gift would be appreciated. Often, there are store gift registries and Amazon wish lists to consult, but sometimes you can't find an item in your price range on these lists, or perhaps you want to give something original, something the bride or the grad moving into his/her own residence hasn't realized is needed.  Here are some suggestions from our Advisory Board scientists and other sources.  To find out where they're sold (if not mentioned), just google the product name.

Expert Advice on the Selection and Care of Cookware

Stainless Steel PotSelecting 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!

Thermometers: Two Types Every Kitchen Should Have

To keep your food safe, you should have two types of thermometers in your kitchen:

 

1) a thermometer for your refrigerator and freezer; and

 

2) a thermometer to “take the temperature” of foods you’re cooking and foods you leave on a buffet.

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