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Continue reading5 Electric Kitchen Appliances You Have To Have
June 14, 2021 | Cristina Dinulescu
Electrical safety in the kitchen is very important, and every contractor knows now the importance of having AFCI and GFCI circuit interrupters in kitchens, especially the countertop area. The reason for it is that the kitchen is most likely the one room in your house with the largest number of appliances. Whether you love to cook or you want to make things as easy as possible for you, electric kitchen appliances can help you bring healthy and delicious meals to the table.
Convenience is one of the main reasons why people have an array of electric kitchen appliances, as cooking food without them can be time-consuming and tiring. However, if you don’t have a big budget or a big kitchen, then you might be limited when it comes to the number of appliances to have. After all, kitchens come in all shapes and sizes and a studio apartment kitchen will not give you as much space and flexibility as a suburban home kitchen.
That said, no matter how much space you’ve got, here are 5 electric kitchen appliances that you must have on your counters, and that won’t break the bank for you. Or, if they do, they’re totally worth it!
1. Electric Food Processor
An electric food processor is a highly versatile kitchen appliance that can do many things in your kitchen. If you have a family, opt for larger capacity models, like a 12-cup processor. However, for a single meal, a mini-prep food processor can work wonders.
The most time-consuming job when cooking is the prep. The food processor helps with that, as it significantly reduces preparation time. It can make dough, chop onions, puree tomatoes, and so on. The appliance has razor-sharp blades, so if you do have kids, make sure to keep it away from them. Also, handle with care when washing the appliance.
2. Electric Juicer
Juicing can be a great way to stay fit and healthy. Buying freshly squeezed juice on a daily basis may not be sustainable, but owning a juicer can change the way you see nutrition. There are several types to choose from too: triturating juicers, citrus juicers and cold press juicers. You can use them not only for fruits, but for veggies as well.
Although using an electric juicer is pretty straight-forward and there’s not much electrical involved, you’d also want to be careful when cleaning it or washing it. In fact, you should consider the ease of cleaning as a factor before buying one.
You should also take into account noise level, as some juicers can get pretty noisy, which limits the time frame to use them. Capacity and speed settings are also features to research before deciding on a brand or model.
3. Electric Stand Mixer
Electric mixers have been around for decades, but the technology has evolved a lot. Usually, you have a choice between a hand mixer and a stand mixer. It is considered a splurge, as some makes and models can be quite expensive, but it is a worthy investment, especially if you bake a lot.
It will definitely make your life easier even if you’re not an avid baker, with a series of basic tasks, such as beating egg whites, making whipped cream and so on. It provides great stability and you can make sure that nothing will spill over due to its usually large bowl. It’s faster too and has a strong motor, which means it will whip any kind of dough, even if it’s thick, very efficiently.
4. Electric Blender
Blenders are also super versatile and helpful, but do you really need a countertop one or can you just get by with an immersion blender? The choice comes down to preference mainly, as well as space and budget, but an electric countertop blender will come in handy for sure. It helps with emulsifying, blending, and mixing food items.
A blender will most likely mix everything from veggies to frozen fruit to big ice cubes. Take into account not just its features and size or capacity, but also how multi-functional it is and how easy to clean. Generally, it is simpler to use a blender than a mixer.
5. Pressure Cooker
Last, but not least, a pressure cooker deserves a spot in your kitchen, no matter how small the room may be. It’s an appliance that will also save you time, which is why many people prefer it to a slow cooker. However, if you want the best of both worlds, get the Instant Pot.
The pressure cooker uses steam to cook food much faster than usual. It also helps with nutrition, as it keeps the food rich in nutrients. The pressure cooker saves not only time, but also water and energy. Plus, it will allow you to be more versatile in your cooking.
Capacity is one of the main considerations when people buy a pressure cooker. Just like with the food processor, if you have a family, then a bigger capacity pressure cooker is ideal. However, you should be aware of other features as well, especially safety features like a power indicator, lid rock or steam release. You should also make sure that the pressure cooker’s handle is made out of Bakelite or any other material that’s not a heat conductor.
Gas vs. Electric Stove: Which To Buy?
June 10, 2021 | Cristina Dinulescu
If you’re in the market for a new range, you’re probably already thinking of gas vs electric stove. There are many factors that can influence that decision, from your cooking habits or ambitions to your home’s location. There are also trade-offs no matter what you decide, but to make the best decision it’s ideal to know the specifics of each pro and con.
When you’re not necessarily moving into a new home or new construction, but your old range breaks, then you might automatically make the decision to replace it with one that runs on the same fuel as the old one, be that electric or gas. Statistically speaking, most of the homes in the US rely on electric, no matter how much hype around gas stoves is happening in the real estate market.
And the truth is that most of the time electric ranges do outperform gas models. Of course, there are exceptions, and if you check Consumer Reports range ratings, you’ll see plenty of models with top scores regardless of the type of fuel.
Gas vs. Electric Stove: What To Consider?
The first step in the gas vs electric stove debate is knowing what to look for. Yes, the final decision may rest on your cooking preference, but many people switch between the two and find that their allegiance can change.
The flame heating in gas stoves provides cooking accuracy and versatility, but electric ranges are safer, therefore preferred by families with young children. Cleaning can also be a consideration, as busy parents prefer a range that’s easy and quick to clean, which is the case of an electric stove.
While preference and features play a role for sure, cost is almost always a consideration. And not just the acquisition price, but also the cost to operate.
When comparing performance, there are certain things to research and take into account, such as high heat performance, low heat, baking or broiling. Of course, these could differ from one model to another, but you’ll be able to find which fuel type has the edge.
High Heat & Low Heat Comparison
High Heat is important because it maximizes the output of large burners. Let’s say for instance you need to boil a big pot of water to make pasta, you wouldn’t want to do that on a small burner, would you? You also wouldn’t want it to take a very long time.
To that extent, manufacturers have been constantly trying over the years to maximize the heat output. Generally speaking, electric ranges are faster in this category.
At the opposite end, Low Heat reflects a stove’s ability to maintain a low, steady simmer which is very important as well. A cooktop with erratic simmering can ruin sauces or desserts, if you’re melting chocolate or any other activity that requires low heat.
Here as well electric ranges offer a slight edge. A Consumer Reports test showed that more than 60% of electric models earned Excellent marks for low heat tests.
Which Is Better For Baking?
Gas vs electric stove would not be a real battle without a bake off. Desserts are sometimes more complicated to make than delicate sauces or any other dish. Whether you’re a fan of baking cakes, browned cookies or pies, you need an appliance that bakes evenly.
This is the one spot where gas ranges shine. Statistically speaking more gas range models and brands earned high ratings in baking than electric models. That’s not to say an electric range will be terrible for baking desserts, but if you’re a passionate baker, you might just be safer with a gas model.
Which Is Better For Broiling?
Broiling seems to be one of the biggest differences in performance between gas and electric ranges. Many people assume that gas models are better at broiling because they cook with a flame. However, Consumer Reports tests have shown that, in fact, gas ranges underperform when compared with electric models. 61% of electric ranges score Excellent or Very Good in this area, while less than 20% of gas models do the same.
Which Is More Efficient?
As mentioned above, cost is almost always a consideration when deciding between a gas vs electric stove. And many people today worry about the efficiency of their appliances, no matter what that appliance is.
Generally, electric stoves tend to be more expensive to purchase than gas models, but this highly depends on the brand and model you choose. The same goes for operating costs, as it’s hard to compare since utility rates differ from region to region. Typically, a gas range costs 10-30% less to run on an ongoing basis, but that might not be much of a difference in absolute value.
Electric stoves are more energy-efficient. The reason why gas models may be cheaper to operate is because gas is cheaper than electricity, but they do waste more energy. Electric ranges transfer about 74% of energy to food, while gas models only transfer about 40%. A study in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings showed that, if you’re looking for the most efficient range, induction cooktops are even better, with almost 90% of energy transferred to food.
Power Drill Types & When To Use Them
June 7, 2021 | Cristina Dinulescu
A power drill, also known as an electric drill, is a highly versatile tool that many passionate DIY-ers absolutely love. Not only does it help drill multiple kinds of holes, but it can also sand or grind, as well as drive screws. You can use it for many purposes, including stirring paint or plaster.
It’s not just that power drills are highly versatile, but they also come in a variety of sizes, the large ones differentiating from the small drills based on chuck capacity. The chuck is the part of the drill that grips the end bit which is the part that actually cuts. For pistol-shaped drills, this is located where the barrel of the gun would normally be. Most models allow for tightening or loosing of the chuck with a specially made key that has a beveled gear.
Newer drills come with keyless chucks, which are usually larger than the traditional ones. Their size and molded shape make it easy for you to securely grip and tighten the bit in the chuck with your hand. Another difference between newer and older models is corded vs cordless drills. Take a look below to understand the many options available and when to use each.
No matter how experienced you are as aDIY-er, an electric drill is a powerful tool and you should always exercise caution when working with one and follow safety guidelines. Also be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for usage. Always wear safety equipment when using such a powerful tool.
The Corded Power Drill
As mentioned above, one of the main differences between the types of power drills is corded vs cordless. Even though cordless might seem like the obvious convenient choice, the best one for you actually depends on the task at hand. If you’re tackling a time-consuming task, then a corded drill might be a better option, as you don’t risk a dead battery.
Another advantage of the corded drill is that it’s usually less expensive than the cordless models. It comes in a variety of models, from hammer and right-angle drills to drill drivers and impact drivers, so you can tackle any project.
You will need high power to work with a corded grill. You’ll be able to see an amp rating on the package that will tell you the power of the model. Since you have a steady supply of electricity coming into the tool, you’ll enjoy greater runtime. The downside is, of course, that the cord restricts mobility to some extent. It also means that you might need an extension cord depending on how far the workstation is from the power outlet. There are safety measures to consider when working with an extension cord as well.
Cordless Power Drills
The cordless electric drill gives you more flexibility and mobility, with the only downside of a smaller runtime. You’ll have to stop and recharge the battery periodically. You’ll have a choice between different voltage ratings, with light-duty drills ranging between 4 and 8 volts, and more powerful drills ranging between 12 and 18 volts. The latter will most likely meet any of your needs.
The higher power models are better for heavier work, but obviously that makes the tool bigger and the battery heavier. So it will be more difficult to handle. Since you’ll have to recharge the battery from time to time, it might be a good idea to invest in a spare battery that you can have available in order to keep working while the other recharges. You can look at the amp-hour rating to compare runtimes of different batteries. However, the material you’re working with will affect the amount of time the battery lasts.
Freedom and convenience are the two biggest advantages of cordless power drills. You can minimize the disruption of an empty battery by making sure to charge the drill’s battery after every job. Many models have a LED light that indicates when the battery is done charging.
Another tip is to choose a cordless drill that has a brushless motor and lithium-ion batteries if you want greater runtimes. This is because a brushless motor provides more torque than traditional ones.
Power Drill Drivers
A power drill driver spins the bit clockwise or counterclockwise, no matter the power level. It has a basic chuck that opens and closes around the bit. There are models that come with a clutch, which allows you to set the amount of power it uses when driving the screws.
The drill drivers are best to use for basic hole drilling and they work with a range of materials, from plastic and wood to metal. The power choice comes from the size of the hole you need. The bigger the hole, the more powerful driver you need. You’ll have to check the manual to see what sizes a certain drill driver can handle. Sometimes, depending on the type of material you’re working with, you might need to drill a pilot hole first.
Hammer Drills
A hammer drill is also known as a hammer drill driver. In terms of design, it looks very much like a drill driver, but it has a hammer mechanism that’s added on. This enables the bit to be pushed in and out, which chips away at concrete while the motor of the drill spins the bit. A great advantage of the hammer electrical drill is that you can actually turn the hammering feature off, which means you can hammer drill, drill or drive with the same tool.
As mentioned above, you can use a hammer drill for pretty much anything, and it works for drilling and driving in a range of materials, such as wood, plastic, metal and concrete or masonry. When it comes to concrete drilling though, most hammer drills have a maximum rating of 1/4″. You’ll also need a vacuum and shroud when using such a drill, in order to avoid inhaling silica dust.
Impact Power Drills (aka Impact Drivers)
Impact power drills are also known as impact drivers. A lot of professionals in the field will tell you that this is not really a drill, as it does not have a forward chipping mechanism. Impact drivers feature a rotating hammer and anvil mechanism. When the tool turns, the hammer strikes the anvil violently, which gives it a much greater turning force than the standard drill.
The most common use of impact power drills are as a drill-impact driver combo kit, because then you don’t have to switch bits while you work. Most bits today come with 1/4″ hex shanks, which means they are “impact ready” and allow you to drill with this tool. The impact driver drives screws faster, which saves you time, although it’s not as smooth.
Right-Angle Drills
If you need to work in tight spaces, a right angle power drill is the best option. It’s great for drilling between floor joists or other such spaces, as it has a drill that’s mounted at a 90-degree angle to the body. They don’t usually come in every kit, due to their specialized use, but you’ll be surprised at how helpful having one can be.
Basically an electric drill with a head that’s set at 90-degree angle to the grip, a right-angle drill is usually a lot shorter than the traditional ones. The grip is also designed to be very comfortable as it’s often operated with one hand.
Apart from tight spaces like between floor joists, a right-angle drill can also be used in plumbing projects or other construction tasks, such as drilling inside a cabinet. It’s a great tool that will eliminate the need for you to use a screwdriver or any other manual tool.
Best Electric Grill For Barbecue Lovers
June 3, 2021 | Cristina Dinulescu
If you’re on the hunt for the best electric grill, then you’ll be happy to know that the industry has been perfecting them over the past few years and you now have a myriad of choices. For fans of grilled food, who like to enjoy the flavor and ease of grilling no matter the season, both outdoor and indoor electric grills are an option.
The best part about electric grills is that you don’t have to spend as much time cooking or put in as much effort as with charcoal, or even gas ones. Electric models come in all sizes and shapes, so we put together a guide to help you navigate the market. Even though you don’t need an electrician for installation or anything like that, there are still some safety measures you should keep in mind, such as connecting the grill to a ground fault interrupter.
Before jumping into options and products, there are a few things to know about electric grills. They will most likely not give you that charred, smoky flavor that barbecue purists adore, but since not everyone has a big yard or a warm climate all year long, electric models are very handy. They allow you to grill indoors or out on a small balcony.
In addition to being convenient, electric models can also be healthier to use. Newer grills started using infrared heat, so there’s no char or any of the other potential health risks. Infrared heat cooks meat more consistently. The heating element of an electric grill is usually located inside, sometimes just beneath the cooktop. It is powered by a cable or cord, similar to any other kitchen appliance, so all you have to do is plug it in.
1. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill
With its heavy-duty construction and infrared heat, the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill easily earns best electric grill or at least one of the best for sure. It grills food thoroughly without cool spots and cooks meat consistently. The model also features a removable warming tray, which helps keep the food at an ideal temperature.
The Patio Bistro is a self-standing model that’s easy to assemble and provides any home chef with plenty of cooking surface. So, even though it’s compact, you can enjoy big grill features. It works well in apartments and condos, whether on a small patio or even on a balcony.
This electric grill comes with a precision dial, which allows you perfect control over the 1750-watt burner. The cooking surface is 240 square inch and it’s porcelain-coated, but the grill also features an 80 square inch secondary cooking surface. Overall, it gives you enough cooking space to grill 8 to 12 hamburgers.
Buy it here.
2. George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
Large enough to cook for a get-together, the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill is a great choice for people who like to host. Among its many great features, this model has a nonstick grill plate that’s easy to clean and can be used both indoors and outdoors, due to its removable stand.
The cooking space is similar to the Char-Broil Patio Bistro, a 240 square inch surface, which accommodates about 15 servings at a time. The grill plate is removable, and it also features a sloped surface, which means the fat can easily drain off the meat. Also, you can safely put the drip tray into the dishwasher.
The grill is not only easy to clean, but also to assemble. It comes with an adjustable temperature control, which allows you to choose from 5 heating settings. The only downside is that the heat control can get spattered with grease.
Buy it here.
3. Kenyon Frontier All Seasons Portable Electric Grill
The Kenyon Frontier All Seasons Portable Grill could very well be the best electric grill, but it does come at a hefty price. However, it features high-quality construction and materials, as well as the capacity to produce heat similar to charcoal and gas grills. The grill has a 1300-watts burner that can reach temperatures of 600 degrees within 10 minutes, and a 155 square inch cooktop. It also features a low smoke output and disposable pan, which makes prepping, grilling and cleaning very easy and convenient.
Perfect for areas where gas or even charcoal grills are not allowed, this portable grill is easy to take with you anywhere. Because the heating element is concealed, the smoke is almost entirely eliminated, which means you can easily use it indoors. As an extra perk, the grill is designed, assembled and shipped from the USA.
Buy it here.
4. Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill
Durable, yet very easy to transport, the Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill is quick to assemble, making it a great choice for when you’re on the go. It’s a tabletop model that features cast iron cooking grates, which help retain the heat. The Weber Q 1400 features a 1560-watt heating element and a generous cooking surface of 189 square inches.
On the downside, the grill takes a long time to preheat and it also doesn’t display the temperature. However, you do have control over the temperature, as it has heat control settings that you can adjust. The sleek design, with large grip handle and control knobs, as well as ergonomic side handles, makes it a really cool gadget, while the porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates add delicious sear to the food.
Buy it here.
5. Cuisinart 30-Inch Electric Smoker
If you’re looking not just for the best electric grill, but for the best smoker, then you can’t miss the mark with the Cuisinart model. It’s super easy to set up and use, and also very spacious. To add to its qualities, the electric smoker features precise and steady temperature control.
While it may take a few hours for it to deliver deliciously smoked meat, you can create all sorts of yummy recipes on this electric grill. It features a 1500-watt heating element that can heat up the grill anywhere between 100 and 400℉. The model also comes with a dial-style thermostat, which allows you to control the temperature. You can cook several foods at once, as the unit features a very generous 548 square inch cooking surface.
Buy it here.