There are many things in my life that I enjoy but would not be completely devastated if required to give them up. My dishwasher is not one of them. During our recent kitchen remodel, we donated the old appliances to Habitat for Humanity—all except for my stripped down 14-year-old Whirlpool dishwasher. Even though it has…
A Chef’s Toolkit: Kitchen Essentials Professional Chefs Can’t Live Without
Like an artist with a favorite brush or an IT tech with a preferred screwdriver, chefs have their own must-have tools for creating culinary masterpieces. You may be surprised by their choices. A Spatula With a Heart Williams-Sonoma No Kid Hungry Tools for Change Silicone Spatulas A simple spatula is essential for every kitchen. In addition…
Best Inexpensive Toaster, Eufy Customer Service, Stainless Steel Cleaner
There are times when the old adage “you get what you pay for” doesn’t hold up. Sometimes the less expensive option turns out to be best. Best Inexpensive Toaster Dear Mary: Does anyone make a decent, simple, reliable pop-up toaster? I don’t need it to do anything but make evenly toasted toast! —Bev Dear Bev:…
Mom Transforms 3 Rooms in Bleak Woodchip Rental for Lovely Gray Home for Under $300—And the Results Are Stunning
Mom-of-two Charli Jones knows a thing or two about working home renovation magic without breaking the bank—transforming her once plain, but decent, accommodations into a home to be proud of. In March, Jones, 30, moved into a new rental in Bradfield, Berkshire, in order to be closer to her mom. She considers her abode a…
How to Have a Chef-Approved Kitchen Without Remodeling
You can cook like the pros without ever firing up a restaurant-caliber range—or tearing out countertops. Here are some ideas that won’t require a contractor. Choose Easy-Grab Cabinet Hardware Quick access to gear and ingredients makes a kitchen run smoothly. One small but important detail: cabinet hardware. Long, rectangular pulls are easier to grip than…
Why You May or May Not Need an Air Fryer
Air fryers are sweeping the nation. But what is an air fryer? How does it work? And, most importantly, do you need one? Here’s the lowdown. Several years ago, a “miraculous” kitchen appliance appeared on the scene promising us that we could fry with air. A new treat for your health—up to 90 percent less…
How to Make Cheap and Effective Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner
Fed up with all the greasy smudges and fingerprints on your stainless steel appliances but also tired of spending $10 or more on stainless steel cleaners? Good news! You can skip the expensive store-bought commercial stainless steel cleaners and make your own highly effective cleaner for just pennies. Stainless steel has become a popular choice…
6 Clever Kitchen Storage Ideas to Steal From Restaurants
By nature, home kitchens have always been a more casual and more intimate version of a restaurant—but that doesn’t have to mean that they can’t be as efficient as a bustling restaurant kitchen. To make your kitchen as efficient as you are, it’s a good idea to look to the pros for ideas. Between prep,…
Are You Ready to Make the Switch to Induction Cooking?
During the 18 months that we lived in a tiny apartment in anticipation of our move from California to Colorado, I did not have a traditional stove and oven. Instead, I used my countertop Breville Smart Oven and portable Duxtop single-burner induction cooktop. Induction Is Different Induction is definitely a different method of cooking with…
How to Clean Gunk and Grime From Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are for storing dishes, not grease. Unfortunately, wood cabinets, whether painted or natural with a clear finish, are prone to all sorts of grease, grime, and gunk from simply being in the kitchen. Depending on just how much grease and grime you’re looking at and the supplies you have available, here are several…
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