Ninja Master Prep Professional (QB1004)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



So when Consumer Reports says "save $400 and get the same results as Vitamix", any owner of a Vitamix (me included), has to take notice and get interested. Therefore, I went down to Target and got me a Ninja QB1004, luckily a few bucks cheaper since they were running a promo. I decided to do my breakfast smoothie using the Ninja. Now, my breakfast smoothie is the cornerstone of my nutrition, so this was serious stuff indeed. I use fresh and frozen fruit, almond milk, a profusion of greens (kale, collards, chard, bok choy, ....), and then add chia or flax seeds, bee pollen, goji berries, and other superfoods, if and when available. How did the Ninja perform? Pretty good! It did fine with the fruit, but when it came to the veggies and seeds, there were small chunks that you would never get with the Vitamix. Basically, the Vitamix really blends a smoothie, with the Ninja it's a roughie :) . I did find a perfect use for the Ninja: I will take it when I travel and going to be away from my beloved Vitamix. It's a lot more compact and it does an ok job. But, don't let those nice people at Consumer Reports tell you that it's the same, this just ain't a Vitamix.

Mr. Coffee TM70TS Fresh Iced Tea Maker, 3-Quart, Teal Splash

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've read the other reviews and I had to write my own since I have had nothing but a positive experience with this tea maker. First of all, I don't know why some others have experienced leaking from the front since it hasn't leaked a drip for me. All you have to do is push the pitcher in all the way and it's a perfect fit. Also, all of my water is being emptied from the reservoir and I've never had a problem with it. I actually own both, the TM3-2 and this TM70. I bought the TM3-2 first for one location and I later bought this one conveniently at Wal-Mart for $18 for home. I like the plastic used for the TM70 better since it doesn't seem as cheap, it doesn't stain as much and it's dishwasher safe. I also like how the TM70 only has one opening for the tea to leave and go into the pot. There's a possibility that one of the other reviewers had the opening plugged up to cause an overflow, a finely ground tea might cause that. That may also cause the brewer to automatically stop and not brew all of the water from the reservoir, but I don't know. The TM3-2 has an opening at the top just in case water is overflowing, but this causes the water to go straight into the pitcher without brewing the tea. There are other points I like better about the TM70 design, but I can go on about why I like the TM70 better. I guess it's different strokes for different folks. Maybe I just got lucky to buy one without any flows or it's user error.

Mr. Coffee BVMC-EL1 Cafe Latte

CUSTOMER REVIEW



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I have been using the Mr. Coffee BVMC-FM1 20-Ounce Frappe Maker for quite some time, but have always wished that I could have something warm for winter. I did purchase a hot chocolate maker, but wasn't really happy with it. Back to Basics CM300BR Cocoa-Latte Chrome 32-Ounce Hot-Drink Maker it is very nice for a crowd, but not so great for one person.



So this particular item has made a big hit in my kitchen. It is easy to use, easy to set up, and I can use my own ingredients and have as many lattes as I want. The only problem I have had so far is that I have had to buy more milk ... I was making too many lattes.



As you will see in the video, the pot contains its own heating element. There are several things to consider. First, it automatically shuts off and never burns the milk. At the same time, it can't be cleaned in the dishwasher (although I never clean my coffee pots that way), and second, if the pot is broken, it cannot be cheaply replaced. So there are both good points and bad points.



In the video, I use the Torani Sugar-Free Syrup, Chocolate, 25.4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3) which I actually purchased from Amazon in a Gold Box deal last year. I put in one tablespoon, but if you prefer a sweeter latte, you can use a package of equal or two tablespoons. You can also use "real" chocolate, but as a diabetic, one of the key reasons I enjoy my own makers, besides saving money, is being able to make my own choices.



Besides the chocolate latte I made in the video, I have also made a number of recipes that were included. The pumpkin spice one was awesome. I had purchased one at a local shop the morning my machine arrived, and I found this one to be much better. I used the pumpkin pie spice and a tablespoon of pumpkin, plus a package of Equal, along with the milk.



When the snowstorm hit, I made hot chocolate, using the heat and froth setting, and made an awesome hot chocolate. I made a double, and after I finished my first cup, I hit froth and heat again, and had another perfect cup!



In fact, I have learned that I might as well make two cups when I start, since I always go back for more. Since the pot does not remain heating, the milk doesn't burn, and a quick "heat and froth" warms it quickly. Because of the milk, I wouldn't leave it sit for long, but I tend to drink my first cup pretty quickly.



Now that it is cold, I am grateful for the ability to make my own WARM drinks. While I've only had this one a short time, my Frappe maker has lasted through nearly two years of usage, so I anticipate this one will last a long time as well.



The video will show you exactly what this machine does, so if you are a coffee gourmet, you can decide if this is the kind of machine you want in your kitchen.



For those who are concerned about cleaning, I normally wipe it out with a soapy sponge right after I use it. If I want a deeper cleaning, I put a dab of dish soap in it and put it on heat and froth ... it cleans up beautifully.



EDITED ...



While unpacking, I ran across something I used to use for a similar effect, but had long ago forgotten. If you aren't quite ready to splurge on the price of an entire machine, you might want to consider the Aerolatte Milk Frother, Satin. This little gadget will froth your milk, or combination of coffee and milk, or any other combination, and runs about 1/5 of the price of the latte maker. Plus it fits in your drawer.



While I enjoy the convenience of having the machine (turn it on, come back), some of you might want to consider the frother itself. It is identical to the one in the machine.

Takeya Iced Tea Maker Set

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I love tea but prefer iced tea. I've been on a health kick and like to drink tea through out the day.

This system works well for me. I have a tea kettle that I use to heat the water to the temperature recommended by the tea maker.

I place the loose tea in the steeping container (tea bags would work also). I then pour the hot water into the 25 ounce pitcher.

You are brewing a strong tea concentrate. Steep for recommended time then pour into the ice 1/2 filled 66 ounce pitcher.

You can adjust tea amount or ice amount to suit how strong you like your tea.

During the exchange there may be a few drips. I feel like a scientist mixing and pouring.

I like this system because both pitchers can use the same lids so either could be used to steep if you prefer.

The lids seal perfectly so you could turn the pitchers upside down without fear.

The entire units are BPA free acrylic/plastic so I feel good about that.

The steeper has a very fine screen. So fine that I was worried about putting a finger through it when cleaning.

With over 30 days of daily use so far it is holding up with no hints of wear.

The great thing about this fine a screen is that when using finer teas they don't pass through it into the pitcher.

The only possible issue I could say is the lids are designed to spin and lock into the pouring position.

I did have a few drips when I first tried pouring but I learned not to overfill it and to pour close to the cup I'm using.

I would definitely buy this again. If you like iced tea or a lot of hot tea this might be what you're looking for.

Bodum Chambord Coffee Press

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Okay, to some the idea of using a French press coffee maker is a little too precious, bordering on snobbishness. I used to be in that boat until a few hours ago. Tonight on a whim, I purchased this Bodum French press. Now I should warn you readers that it is generally NOT a good idea to test out your shiny new french press when you are getting home at 10:30pm on a Monday after spending way too much money at Target when you just ran in to get "dog food". I write this review so heavily caffienated that I will probably stay up until dawn tonight re-organizing my closets or alphabetizing my CD collection or doing some other useless task. Despite being a daily coffee drinker (of the muddy variety the office's Bunn machine churns out), one cup from the french press has knocked me into the stratosphere, and that alone is worth giving this product 5 stars.



My caffiene overdose aside, this press produces the best coffee I have ever had at home, and it truly rivals or surpasses coffee I've had at coffee houses. It's slightly more involved than using an automatic maker, but not difficult at all. The unit itself is pretty sturdy, and looks lovely.



French press coffee is a great alternative to using those smaller 1-2 cup automatic drip makers. Being single, I've gone through my share of those, and the coffee they make alway seems about ten times worse than the coffee from a normal-sized drip maker. If you like to make a large pot of coffee and drink it throughout the morning, I would suggest picking up a good quality carafe or thermos to keep the coffee warm.



Pros:



-Best tasting coffee you'll ever have at home, period.



-Strong, full bodied flavor



-Pretty easy to prepare



-Impress your friends with your snobby european coffee-making ways :) (looks good on your counter too)



-Great for making small amounts of coffee, for one or two people.



-Priced about the same as a ho-hum auto drip coffee maker with no extra bells and whistles, yet makes coffee a million times better.



Cons:



-More cleanup than using a automatic drip maker



-No heating element to keep coffee warm. Use a thermos/carafe if you want to sip several cups over a few hours.



- 8-cup capacity is based on a 4oz beverage size. Not really a "con" but something you should be aware of. If you had a large group you were making coffee for, it might get a little tedious to be constantly making a fresh batch of coffee.



Couple other notes: Coarsely ground coffee is recommended. This is no problem for people that already buy whole bean and grind their own, but it will be an extra step for some people. Also, I recommend picking up an Aerolatte milk frother if you want to make truly effortless cappuchino. I find that there's plenty of time to warm some milk in the microwave and froth it up while the coffee brews for 4 mintues. A $20 Aerolatte milk frother + $24 french press = coffeehouse coffee at home, whenever you want it. That's really a tiny investment for coffeehouse quality java!



I also purchased a smaller 1-cup Bodum press to take to work. Tomorrow I plan to smile smugly while my co-workers chug down the crap that comes out of the Bunn machine. If my boss is really nice, I may let him use it too. Maybe.

Kuissential SlickFroth 2.0 - Electric Milk Frother, Cappuccino Maker

Product Description

Are you a coffee lover that wants to enjoy barista quality frothed milk in the comfort of your own home? The Kuissential SlickFroth 2.0 will help you turn your milk or cream into a rich, delicious, fluffy foam, that will transport you mentally to the Italian Countryside as you enjoy your homemade cappuccinos and lattes. When you are done, cleanup is as easy as running your SlickFroth in hot soapy water and rinsing well (do not submerge the handle in water). If you want a frother that can make your milk, specialty coffees, hot chocolates, and milkshakes more fun and delicious, welcome the SlickFroth 2.0 to your home today! (Please note we have recently changed the spelling of our brand name from Cuissential to Kuissential. Everything else about us is staying the same. Sorry for the confusion!)

Product Detail

• Handheld, Battery Operated Milk Frother


• Creates delicate foam for homemade lattes, cappucinos, hot chocolates, and more!


• Stylish Handle with Stainless Steel Stem and Whisking Head


• Easy to Operate and Clean (operate in hot soapy water and rinse)


• New and Improved Version 2.0, based on Customer Feedback. Powered by 2 AA batteries (not included)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



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The SlickFroth doesn't cost as much as other milk frothers, but it seems to perform just as well. I have friends who have used the Aerolatte brand and others using the Ikea model, this Kuissential frother seemed like a nice middle ground to try out. The SlickFroth took some getting used to (which is probably true the first time using any frother), but once you get the hang of it, its like riding a bike. I use the frother a few times a week, especially on the weekends, for a fancy start to the day for the family and it has performed admirably every time. I've attached a video of the 2nd or 3rd time using the SlickFroth (I've gotten much better at making froth since then!)

Update International EP-12 Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher, 12-Ounce

Product Detail

• 12-ounce capacity


• Made of 18/8 stainless steel material


• Molded pouring spout and sturdy handle


• Perfect for preparing cappuccino and lattes


• Height: 3.75"

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Very small. Steams enough milk for 1 serving of double-shot latte. When deciding on size, always measure liberally. Take into account that steamed milk usually doubles in size if done properly.