Copy Your Code Snippet
Home Blog

DeLonghi Espresso Machine Review: A Fan Favorite for Shots of Espresso

By
Kayden Walker
-
espresso machine

Espresso makes the modern world go round. The very machinery of the nine-to-five that has kept industry, and therefore the economy, up and running has hot, pressurized caffeine in its veins. However, today that industriousness has taken a less centralized form, allowing many of us to work from home. Our craving for espresso has not lessened just because we're in the home office. In fact, our DeLonghi espresso machine review reveals that the home espresso revolution is just taking off.

The modern home barista has many options when it comes to outfitting their home office or kitchen with a state-of-the-art espresso factory. The mystique which once only Starbucks and local coffee chains maintained can be purchased and brought into your homestead. It turns out that no degree or highly specialized training is required to fill your kitchen with the delightfully umami aroma of espresso.

The internet abounds with options for ways to make espresso. Not all are created
equally. That is why we composed our DeLonghi espresso machine review. DeLonghi has been a forerunner in the espresso machine market for some time now; but are their products all they are cracked up to be?

We have set out to answer this question as we dive in depth with our DeLonghi espresso machine review. By the end, you will have a criteria for evaluating home espresso machines as well as the knowledge of which models we consider the best home espresso machines around.

Comparison Table

Preview Product
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee... De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee... Buy on Amazon
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless... Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless... Buy on Amazon
Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine in Silver. Pannarello... Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine in Silver. Pannarello... Buy on Amazon
DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black Buy on Amazon

What Is the DeLonghi Espresso Machine?

DeLonghi espresso machines have long been considered the “crema” of the crop (if you'll excuse our coffee pun). Their products create a completely customizable experience when creating your espresso drinks. They are all designed to be easy to clean, which can really become a hassle with other models.

We love the DeLonghi design philosophy, and nearly all their machines look great as countertop displays. This design philosophy is more than merely aesthetic, their products work wonderfully as well. Many models are even more compact than their competition, meaning that you receive a fully functioning barista station without having to convert your entire kitchen counter into a coffee bar.

Programmable features allows the user to perfectly tailor their machine to their espresso preferences. All the models we evaluated in our DeLonghi espresso machine review included at least a 1-year warranty. This greatly eases the worry of purchasing a machine from the internet. Perhaps our favorite feature of the DeLonghi espresso machines was that they delighted both beginners and experienced baristas alike.

DeLonghi Espresso Machine Review: Product Specs

For our DeLonghi espresso machine review, we picked the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine as the baseline. Why? In terms of its technical specifications, it strikes us an ideal “top shelf” DeLonghi model.

The DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine takes 1150 watts of input. It can contain 60 ounces or, and it can separately hold 7.10 ounces of beans. In terms of its physical dimensions, the De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker measures 17" x 13" x 18." This is a bit chunky. However, those dimensions still mean that it can fit into most everyone's kitchen. Simply find a nook and you've got yourself a functional cafe in your place of breakfast.

The DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine also goes far beyond the call of duty when it comes to features, and in our DeLonghi espresso machine review process we could find no other competitor that outclassed it in this regard.

What are these features? For one, the Magnifica Super-Automatic can hold up to 14 cups of coffee in its reservoir. That means that instead of refilling the machine every cup, you only have to refill it every fifteenth cup. Not only will the caffeine make you more efficient, but the caffeine machine itself will save you time. Additionally, the Magnifica Super-Automatic comes with an essential steam wand and two types of one-touch recipes to get your espresso drink going quickly.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare:

  • Breville BES870XL Barista Express
  • Gaggia Brera 59101
  • DeLonghi EC155

DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine

De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee...
De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee...
  • FRESH ESPRESSO FOR EVERY CUP: The professional burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings grinds fresh beans every time to...
  • YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks –...
  • CONSISTENT BREWING EVERY TIME: Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And...
Buy on Amazon

Ease of Use

Assembly Time

Design Quality

Warranty

Pros

  • Holds plenty of water and beans
  • Cappuccino mode
  • Slick, all-silver design

Cons

  • Can be much pricier than other options on this list
  • Does weigh over 30 pounds

Breville BES870XL Barista Express

Sale
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless...
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless...
  • The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the...
  • DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly...
  • OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the...
Buy on Amazon

This machine is made to get your coffee to you quickly! The Breville has a thermo-coil system, meaning it makes hot water faster than the competitors. However, it cannot do everything at one, so the switch between brewing and steaming is a bit of a downer.

If you need the gourmet experience, then this might be the coffee maker for you. It maintains water at exactly the temperature for perfect extraction of superior taste, every time.

It also includes a grinder, so there is no need to have yet another machine on your counter, taking up space, just to grind your beans. The Breville also has many settings, so if you want to customize your experience, you can definitely do it with this machine.

Ease of Use

Assembly Time

Design Quality 

Warranty

Pros

  • Grinder included
  • Specific water temp maintained
  • Sleek design

Cons

  • Not the most economical

Gaggia Brera 59101

Sale
Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine in Silver. Pannarello...
Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine in Silver. Pannarello...
  • FROTHING FOR MILK BEVERAGES: Pannarello wand frothing for cappuccinos & lattes. Wand doubles as a hot water dispenser...
  • EASY ACCESS: The dregs drawer, drip tray, and water tank are all within reach and accessible from the front of the...
  • USER-FRIENDLY DISPLAY: Push-button controls and an LED display with illuminated icons make for an easy and intuitive...
Buy on Amazon

Another great choice for a home espresso machine on our Delonghi espresso machine review, the Gaggia Brera has features to suit anyone. It includes a grinder where you can design your own bean size! From sand grains to pebbles, this grinder can make just the size you want for your cuppa.

It also allows for the user to design the shot size, so if you need more caffeine than the average bear, then look no further for a home espresso machine.

The Gaggia also includes its own steaming wand, so no need for that extra machine! Mark that off your list and simplify your life. This machine has superior technology to reduce the transition time between jobs. This is essential, because we all know that microwave minutes are the longest.

Ease of Use

Assembly Time

Design Quality

Warranty

Pros

  • Milk frother included
  • Grinder included
  • Lots of bean settings
  • Lots of cup settings

Cons

  • Not the absolute cheapest out there
  • Not as many features as more expensive machines

DeLonghi EC155

Sale
DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black
DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black
  • EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING: 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow...
  • BREW LIKE A PRO: Whatever your preference – single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte – the machine brews...
  • YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks –...
Buy on Amazon

For our DeLonghi espresso machine review we had to include the classic Delonghi EC155 due to its top notch qualities. This little gunner is ready at a moment's notice to make some really great beans into even better espresso!

Coming in under budget and above expectations, the EC155 has more than enough to satisfy the average consumer. 

With this model, you will end up making most of the changeovers, tap downs, and prepping yourself, but this is not a bad thing. You will end up completing these tasks with any semi-automatic machine on the market. While you do most of the work yourself, the product is great. It has a steam wand so you can make hot chocolate, a cappuccino, latte, or mocha!

The machine does not include a grinder, so you will need to purchase an additional machine or buy only pre-ground beans. This reduces the freshness, but is only a concern for some. The EC155 is perfect if you are looking mostly for simple espresso and not the full-fledged coffee machine experience. 

Ease of Use

Assembly Time

Design Quality

Warranty

Pros

  • Includes milk frother
  • Good design quality
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • No grinder included
  • List EleHas a few more steps than you might likement

Conclusion

When it comes down to making your kitchen into a home cafe, there is no better option for your budget than the De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles that come along with the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine, it is only a fraction of the cost and still gives you amazing flavor.

That is not to say that additional features provided by the Magnifica Super-Automatic won't eventually pay for themselves. However, when it comes to having quality coffee ready in your kitchen, you cannot go wrong with the De'Longhi EC155.


Featured image source: Pexels

Farberware Toaster Oven Full Review And Buying Guide

By
Kayden Walker
-
Farberware Toaster oven

​Have you ever made 2 pieces of toast in your full-sized oven? Doesn’t it feel a little wastesful? Doesn‘t it take way too long?

Put those days behind you!

Toaster ovens are evolving. They have become full-fledged countertop ovens, capable of making a wide variety of meals, baked goods, snacks, even meats. Choosing the right toaster oven will bring versatility and convenience to your kitchen. The power, range and design of the newest toaster ovens will inspire you and your cooking!

Prepare to be shocked by what this counter top device will be able to do for you.

Too Much Choice Can Be a Bad Thing

You want to buy a toaster and are confronted by endless options. In a market overrun with selections, how do you choose the best items for your home?

Are the toasters out there really that different? Is one brand better across the board? Can your choice of a toaster really make a difference? In short, absolutely. Without research, you might end up buying a faulty, junky toaster that won’t last. You’ll be shopping for a toaster again in a year. Or less.

How do you know which one is going to the best choice? Read on to learn more.

A Workhorse Toaster

Instead of buying a basic pop-up toaster, or a simple toaster oven, you can buy a real workhorse. You can buy a toaster oven that will do so much more than just toast bread. You can buy a toaster oven from a maker you can trust that’s been making kitchenware and cookware for over 100 years. Farberware is just that kind of company. You can buy a Farberware toaster oven.

After reading, you are going to love the Farberware Toaster Oven.

Toasters from the Future

Farberware has raised the stakes with their Toaster Oven. It is light years beyond a regular toaster, and much more than a toaster oven as well! The Farberware appliance is well named -- the Countertop Convection Oven. This device is literally a small and versatile oven. It is small enough to fit on your countertop, but with plenty of capacity to cook the dishes that would otherwise require the full-sized oven.

At 25-liter capacity, the appliance itself has a very manageable footprint -- it isn’t going to take up tons of space in the kitchen. The utility and versatility of this tool far outweigh any size-related drawbacks. What you can do with this little oven will blow your mind.

Bake a Cake in Your Toaster!

As odd as that sounds, it is true! You can bake a cake, roast a chicken and cook two 12” pizzas in this toaster oven. Does that sound like a toaster to you? Clearly, the Farberware toaster oven is no basic toaster. It is a full-fledged oven, an addition to your kitchen cooking tools that you will put to excellent and immediate use.

One of the best things about toaster ovens in general is how quickly they heat up. They’re very efficient, especially for the average day-to-day needs. Not only does this unit heat up quickly, with its convection features and close heating elements, it roasts efficiently and quickly as well.

The 3 Best Things About the Farberware Toaster Oven

  • Capacity. The Farberware Toaster Oven has a 25-liter capacity. You can toast a lot of bread in here!
  • Multi-function. This toaster sports 5 cooking functions and a full temperature range.
  • Warranty. The unit is sold with a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty.

What Does 25 liters mean? Is that Huge? Is it Tiny?

The 25-liter capacity translates to options. This oven will be useful at breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll use it for snacks for one, and for meals for the whole family. You might find your regular oven getting much less use!

In an oven this size you can roast meat (a medium-sized whole chicken fits on the rotisserie), you can cook 12” pizzas, bake frozen lasagna, defrost frozen items. You can reheat pot pies, or you can bake one from scratch. And of course, you can toast bread -- the oven can toast 6 slices at once!

Gone are the days when you turn the big oven on just for toast, or to reheat something that the microwave will only make soggy.

How Many Functions Do I Really Need?

You might be surprised at how versatile your kitchen needs truly are. Do you bake? Do you roast? This multi-function oven can likely meet nearly all your cooking needs. This toaster oven can bake, broil, toast and roast. It has convection and rotisserie options. It is well-designed and well-equipped.

You can reheat leftovers, melt nachos. The kids can safely make an after-school snack without having to turn on the oven, or worse, use the burners. You’ll get a little peace of mind as a fringe benefit.

With all those different functions comes ease and variety in your cooking. Whether you’re cooking for 2, for a big family, paleo or gluten-free, this oven will meet you dish by dish at every task.

​WOW, WARRANTY!

The Farberware toaster oven has a limited a 2-year manufacturer warranty. This is a product that the manufacturer is willing to stand behind. A lot can happen in two years. You’ll likely cook over 1000 meals in two years. The oven can take the heat, and Farberware will back it up.

You can be confident in an appliance that the maker will back through that kind of use. You can plan to have this appliance for years.

  • 1
    Great Reasons to Buy a Farberware Toaster Oven
  • 2
    It saves time. Turning on and heating up the Farberware toaster oven is much faster and easier than waiting for your big oven to heat up. It uses less energy as well. The convection technology cooks efficiently, evenly and rapidly. Cooking with this device will save time, energy, and a little money as well.
  • 3
    Comfort. This is especially true in the summer months. Using the toaster oven doesn’t heat up the entire house the way the full-sized oven does. Being a countertop device, it is easy to access and easier to monitor.
  • 4
    Range of uses. Like the multiple functions we describe above, this toaster oven is useful at any meal, for a wide variety of cooking methods. You can roast meats at low temperatures, starting at 150 degrees F, bake a variety of foods in the mid-range, or broil at high heat. The temperature range goes up to 450 degrees -- enough to cook pizza!
  • 5
    The 2-year limited warranty. Any product you rely on is an investment. A 2-year warranty protects that investment through hundreds and even thousands of meals and snacks. A 2-year limited warranty also gives you confidence that you’ve made a reliable choice that will serve you well.
  • 6
    More efficient use of kitchen space. The footprint of the Farberware toaster oven is not much greater than that of a conventional toaster. You won’t need to keep that old, outdated appliance once you have this toaster oven. Trade them out!
Faberware 4 Slice Toaster Oven
Faberware 4 Slice Toaster Oven
Buy on Amazon

A Name You Can Trust

Farberware has been around since 1899. The company started in New York and has been making trusted kitchen and cookware for well over 100 years. The name is well known and well-respected, and the company has stood the test of time.

Farberware has made many innovations in cooking technologies over the course of their history, including a “coffee robot” in the 1930s, the first electric rotisserie appliance, and the first stainless steel non-stick cookware material, backed by an astounding 20-year warranty.

The Farberware toaster oven is another great tool in a long line of kitchen and cooking innovations.

Drawbacks

Are there any drawbacks to the toaster oven? The drawbacks to this product really depend on the kitchen where it will be used, and the type of cooking it will be used for.

If you do all of your cooking on the stove top, you might not get as much out of the toaster oven as some home cooks. If you use your oven at all, though, you will be amazed at how many dishes can be made in this appliance.

The biggest possible drawback is the size. The size of the footprint of you average basic toaster oven is usually around 16” wide x 13” deep and 9” high. This toaster oven is bigger at 19.5” wide x 16.5” deep x 13.5” high. It is bigger in every dimension. For some, this will compromise their available counter space.

Given the trade-off of what you will use the toaster oven to do, though, the loss of a few inches of counter space is worth what you will gain. What’s more, it is an attractive appliance. It delivers from a design standpoint. It is solidly crafted -- made from stainless steel, with a glass door and a sturdy handle. You won’t mind having it on your countertop.

From a performance standpoint, this toaster oven delivers as well. It heats up quickly and holds temperature. The convection function moves heat evenly throughout the interior. The temperature range allows for versatile cooking. See below for technical specs and usage notes.

cooking in a toaster oven

Back to Basics - Specs on the Farberware Toaster Oven

Not Just a Toaster Anymore

The world of toasters has expanded and changed greatly in the years since their invention. The pop-up toaster continues to be designed and manufactured, but the toaster oven has replaced that original in many homes. The toaster oven has been a game changer for many.

As I mentioned above, Farberware refers to this device as a Countertop Convection Oven. It sounds as though an engineer named it -- and the name describes it perfectly. This small kitchen appliance is designed to sit on your countertop, it cooks like an oven, and it uses convection technology to circulate the heat.

Technical Specs

The oven has a full range of functions -- broil, toast and bake. The temperature range tops out at 450 degrees F. The timer runs up to 60 minutes and features a manual function (called “stay on”) that allows it to continue heating after the timer has ended.

Lots of hardware is included. The oven comes with 2 baking racks, a rotisserie spit and set, a drip pan and a crumb tray.

The oven weighs just 16 pounds and its precise dimensions are: 19.68"L x 16.53"W x 14.57"H. The inside dimensions are: 25 liters / .75 cubic feet or 11 ¾" x 12 ¼" x 8 ½". This will accommodate a medium sized whole chicken (up to 5 pounds), 6 pieces of toast, two 12” pizzas, and so on.

It comes with a 2-year limited warranty as well.

More Oven Than Toaster

While the toaster oven function may be the least glamorous of the possible uses for this appliance, it is still a toaster, and it will still perfectly toast bread. You can check that off the list. But using the other functions is intuitive and easy, not just because of the approachable scale of the unit.

The dials and controls are easy to read and easy to adjust -- a certain benefit if you plan to let the kids use it. The control panel has just three knobs -- one for temperature, one for function and one for the timer. Making adjustments or setting the device is as easy as turning 3 knobs.

The interior has 3 heights of rails to adjust the rack height when cooking. The middle and bottom rails are best used for baking, while the top and middle rails provide best results for broiling. The rotisserie accessories are made to fit into holders in the middle rack.

The spit is ideal for roasting poultry and meats.

When you’re done, clean-up is easy. The accessories are dishwasher safe! The crumb tray protects the base of the unit and can easily be removed (once cool) for cleaning. The baking racks and spit set are the same.

Other Devices

If all of this is too much -- more toaster than you need, Farberware also offers conventional pop-up toasters, in 2-slice and 4-slice versions.

Your New Farberware Toaster Oven Awaits You

You new toaster oven is out there. It is waiting to live in your kitchen. It’s waiting to toast bread perfectly. It’s waiting for you make use of its full array of cooking functions and to make your dinnertime preparations streamlined and more enjoyable.

The specs and features of the Farberware toaster oven will deliver. Use them as a high bar as you consider your options in making your purchase. Make your toaster oven work for your household!

Instant Pot Ultra Review: A Pressure Cooker to Save You Time and Energy

By
Kayden Walker
-
instapot

The Instant Pot line of electric pressure cookers has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, and it's no wonder. These miraculous devices can cook delicious, healthy meals in record time thanks to their simple set-it-and-forget-it operation. They also doubling as slow cookers, yogurt-makers, rice-cookers, and more. If you're in the market for an all-in-one kitchen device, an electric pressure cooker might just be your best bet.
 
In this Instant Pot Ultra review, we will take a look at the latest iteration of the Instant Pot, comparing and contrasting it with electric pressure cookers from other brands. Which one will come out on top? Find out in this Instant Pot Ultra review.

Quick Navigation
What Is Instant Pot Ultra?
​Product Specs
​​​How It Compares
Instant Pot Ultra
​Farberware Digital Pressure Cooker
​Fagor Lux Multi-Cooker
​Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD
Instant Pot Ultra Review | Conclusion

What Is Instant Pot Ultra?

The Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 is the newest electric pressure cooker from Instant Pot, one of the most popular electric pressure cooker brands on the market. The 10-in-1 in the name means just what you'd think: this device does the work of 10 difference kitchen appliances in one convenient package. In this Instant Pot Ultra review, we will compare its features, price, and ease-of-use with three other popular electric pressure cookers.

​Product Specs

The Instant Pot Ultra features a six-quart pot, a larger digital display than previous models, and the ability to easily create near-unlimited programs with a few quick taps. The "Ultra" in Instant Pot Ultra refers to his function, which lets users preset specific temperatures and cooking times. The 10 functions include pressure cooking of course, but also sauteing, warming, sterilizing, rice-cooking, yogurt-making, slow-cooking, cake-making, egg-cooking, and steaming.

The Instant Pot Ultra has replaced the buttons of previous models with a larger display that requires users to cycle through options. This can make changing cooking functions and other tasks a little more time-consuming than on other electric pressure cookers. There are improvements elsewhere, though. The steam release valve has been significantly upgraded; it now automatically closes when the lid is locked into place. If you want to release it there's now a steam release button, which means no more manually flipping the release valve open and almost scalding your hand.

This new Instant Pot also has a host of great safety features for those who are still nervous about using pressure cookers. An anti-clog vent keeps food from blocking the release valve, a safety lock for the lid ensures it cannot be opened when pressurized, and a pressure sensor keeps the pressure in a safe range. In this Instant Pot Ultra review, we discovered that these and other safety features were enough to make this an easy, low-stress device to use.

For this Instant Pot Ultra review, we found the device to be a little bit bulky at 33 x 31.8 x 31.8 cm for the popular 6-quart model, which means it might not fit in all cabinets with ease. That's a small price to pay when replacing so many individual kitchen appliances with a single machine, though.

​​​How It Compares

For our Instant Pot Ultra review, we picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

  • Farberware Digital Pressure Cooker
  • Farberware Digital Pressure Cooker
  • Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD

Instant Pot Ultra

Instant Pot Ultra 60 Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable...
Instant Pot Ultra 60 Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable...
  • Instant Pot Ultra-electric pressure cooker is the next generation in kitchen appliances. A central dial with a simple...
  • New features: Altitude adjustment, cooking indicator, and a steam release reset button. The ultra button for custom...
  • Replaces 10 common kitchen appliances: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice/porridge cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg...
Buy on Amazon
  • Ease of Use
  • Features
  • Design Quality
  • Warranty

​The Instant Pot Ultra comes with a one-year limited warranty. While it's far from the worst warranty we'll see in this Instant Pot Ultra review, people who use it almost every day might wish for a slightly better offering.

Pros

  • 10 cooking functions in one device
  • New pressure release valve will be a favorite among Instant Pot aficionados
  • 11 different safety features

Cons

  • On the expensive side
  • Warranty could be better

​Farberware Digital Pressure Cooker

farberware 7-1 programmable pressure cooker
farberware 7-1 programmable pressure cooker
  • Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Buy on Amazon

The Faberware Digital Pressure Cooker is a 7-in-1 device that's among the more affordable electric pressure cookers on the market. In addition to pressure cooking, its functions include sauteing, cooking rice and risotto, steaming, slow-cooking, and cooking dry beans. It also builds up pressure faster than many competing devices, though it takes a long time to release pressure naturally. It's not as full-featured as the Instant Pot Ultra and only comes in a 6-quart model, but if you're looking for a good electric pressure cooker on a budget you've found it in Farberware's product.

  • Ease of Use
  • Features
  • Design Quality
  • Warranty

​Farberware offers a lifetime limited warranty on all of its products; it doesn't get much better than that.

Pros

  • Great value for the price
  • Excellent warranty

Cons

  • Lacks the bells and whistles of its pricier competitors
  • Manual is not very helpful

​Fagor Lux Multi-Cooker

Fagor LUX Multi-Cooker, 6 quart, Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow...
Fagor LUX Multi-Cooker, 6 quart, Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow...
  • Pressure cooking on both high and low options up to 99 minutes. Slow Cooking high or low options up to 10 hours
  • Keep warm function up to 12 hours and Time Delay function up to 6 hours
  • Cook a variety of meals in this all-in one machine from meats, grains, desserts and even yogurt
Buy on Amazon

The Fagor Lux Multi-Cooker comes in at a similar price to the Instant Pot Ultra, so how does it stack up? It's a six-quart cooker with four main modes: pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, and yogurt maker. In addition to these four functions, it can also steam, saute, and keep food warm.

It lacks some of the higher-end functions of the Instant Pot Ultra like dedicated settings for beans and soup but is of similarly high build quality. The one thing it has an edge over the Instant Pot on is ease of use: its controls are simple to understand and even simpler to use.

  • Ease of Use
  • Features
  • Design Quality
  • Warranty

Fagor provides a limited warranty of 10 years for this product; far superior to Instant Pot's meager one-year warranty.

Pros

  • Easy to use with a clear, thorough manual
  • Excellent warranty

Cons

  • Less full-featured than the Instant Pot Ultra for a similar price

​Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD

Aroma Housewares 8-Cup (cooked)/ 2 Quart Digital Cool-Touch Rice...
Aroma Housewares 8-Cup (cooked)/ 2 Quart Digital Cool-Touch Rice...
  • Multi-Functional Use – Whether you're in the mood for a hearty jambalaya, steamed veggies and rice, or even a...
  • User-Friendly Programming – Easy-to-use with 4 preset digital functions and automatic Keep Warm mode when the cooking...
  • Nutritious & Delicious – The built-in Steam function allows for nutrient-rich meals to be prepared above while rice,...
Buy on Amazon

The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD is a budget device designed mostly for cooking rice and steaming vegetables and seafood. It's smaller than the other cookers in this Instant Pot Ultra review, able to hold between two and eight cups of rice. There's also a steam tray included that can sit above the rice so users can cook rice and steam something else at the same time. While it's not full-featured by any means, it is a bargain and is especially good for individual users who like to plan their meals, cooking multiple things at once.

  • Ease of Use
  • Features
  • Design Quality
  • Warranty

​Aroma offers a one-year limited warranty on this appliance, which is quite good given the initial cost of it.

Pros

  • Great price
  • Can cook rice and steam other foods at the same time

Cons

  • Limited functionality
  • Small size

Instant Pot Ultra Review | Conclusion

stainless steel pot placed on electric cooker

Image via flickr

When we stack the Instant Pot Ultra up against a range of similar competitors, it becomes clear that Instant Pot's latest iteration is a cut above. It has several functions, including the ability to make yogurt, a dedicated setting for beans, and more than most other electric pressure cookers. It has the most safety features out of any of the products on this list, making it a good pick for those who are hesitant to dive into the electric pressure cooker fad given older pressure cookers' safety issues. It even has a brand new pressure release mechanism that sets it apart from previous iterations of the Instant Pot.

Its only downside is that it's a little more complicated to use than the other electric pressure cookers featured in this review. That's due to both its wealth of functions and the slightly convoluted nature of its new, larger digital display.

Still, when stacked up against other similar appliances, it clearly comes out on top. It might be a little on the pricey side, but if you've been eyeing an electric pressure cooker that can replace your slow cooker, rice cooker, and other devices, the Instant Pot Ultra is the one for you.

Why Smart Appliances Are The Wave Of Tthe Future: 3 Things To Know Before Decking Out Your Kitchen

By
Kayden Walker
-
smart aplliances on just tap of your finger
Images source: pixabay
rocket

The future is here, and while we don't all drive flying cars yet, our homes are becoming smarter. Internet-enabled smart appliances are becoming more popular than ever before, and for good reasons.

rocket

It might not seem like it, but smart appliances are a great way to save money and increase your home's energy efficiency. On top of the benefits related to saving and energy conservation, smart appliances make every single aspect of life easier, greatly enhancing the quality of life.

While all parts of your home can benefit from these innovative technologies, one room that is completely transformed through the use of internet-enabled devices is the kitchen. If you're ready to enjoy the benefits of a smart kitchen, read on.

Quick Navigation
Why Are Smart Appliances All The Rage?
How Will They Fit Into Your Kitchen?
Must-Have Smart Appliances For Your Kitchen
Conclusion

Why Are Smart Appliances All The Rage?

We're sure you've noticed, but we're living in a digital world, and now our homes are becoming digital through the use of smart appliances.

rocket

Other than sounding like a futuristic dream, what's so great about the automation of your home with smart appliances that connect everything?

Here are just some of the many reasons smart appliances are taking over our homes, and why you should get your hands on some:

Access While Away

Convenience and Customizability

Energy Efficiency

Maximum Appliance Performance

Security

Resale Value

How Will They Fit Into Your Kitchen?

One of the places in your home where internet-connected devices make the biggest difference in your quality of life is your kitchen.

rocket

If the perks of smart appliances have you ready to prepare your home for the future, then you'll be happy to know that turning your kitchen into a smart one doesn't require knocking down walls and hiring construction crews.

While significant changes take some big updates, you can get started on your dream smart kitchen with some new devices and appliances.

Step 1: Understand Smart Appliances for the Kitchen

Step 2: Determine What You Need or Want

Step 3: Shop

Must-Have Smart Appliances For Your Kitchen

With so many smart device options to choose from, here are some options that will make life in the kitchen so much easier:

Smart Frying Pan

Smart Coffee Maker

Smart Refrigerator

Smart Scales

Smart Egg Tray

rocket

Smart Dishwasher

Smart Slow Cooker/Crock-Pot

Smart Blenders

Smart Trash Can Scans

Smart Ovens

Conclusion

rocket

Whether you're ready to transform your entire kitchen into a smart kitchen through renovations and buying all the best smart appliances, or you're just looking to take some small steps in the right direction, you now know how to get started.

From more free time to more savings, the benefits of smart devices will completely change your relationship with your kitchen for the better.

Icon source: flaticon

West Bend Slow Cooker Review – A Must Have In Your Kitchen

By
Kayden Walker
-
West Bend Slow Cooker

West Bend Slow Cooker Reviews

Has your dinner ever cooked itself while you were on your way home from work? When was the last time you walked into a clean kitchen with dinner hot and ready? These things are not only possible, they’re at your fingertips. They’re just a slow cooker away!

You may think that there is nothing missing from your well-considered kitchen, but if you day dream about coming home to dinner waiting for you, you’ll benefit from adding a West Bend slow cooker to your kitchen options. Owning a slow cooker is like having an extra hour in the day. To yourself.

Appliance Overload

The market is flooded with cooking appliances for every purpose. Specialty appliances fill our countertops and cupboards. Which ones do we really need? Which ones are well made? In a time of serious market saturation, appliances that perform more than one task are more useful and better purchases.

You’ve decided to buy a slow cooker.

How are the various models different? Which makers can you trust? Do you need yet another specialty appliance? In this case, yes. Yes, you do. You are going to love the West Bend Slow Cooker line. They are more than just slow cookers.

The West Bend slow cooker will help you save time, save space, have a cleaner kitchen, and they make cooking dinner easier. Imagine cooking dinner when you’re not even at home! It is easier than you think.

West Bend Versatility Cooker (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
West Bend Versatility Cooker (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
  • Adjustable temperature control (5 settings)
  • 5-Quart nonstick versatility cooker
  • Light duty nonstick griddle. 210 Watts, 120 volts, AC only
Buy on Amazon

So You Think You Know Slow Cooking?

No offense, but guess what? You probably don’t know what a slow cooker is. It is not a crock pot. It is much more than a crock pot. While a crock pot is a type of slow cooker, the full range of slow cookers includes a variety of cooking tools.

The West Bend slow cooker is much more than an appliance that merely cooks food slowly. It is also a griddle, it is a food warmer, it is a new steel pot for your range. It is dinner party necessity, it is a weekend morning go-to. West Bend slow cookers have a few tricks up their metal sleeves.

Most West Bend slow cooker models are also easy-to-clean, dishwasher safe, food storage safe and freezer safe. Some are even programmable. They are one-pot-cooks-all kitchen miracles!

Prepare to Have Your Mind Blown!

There are (5) different West Bend slow cookers to choose from. One of those is technically an “electric heating oven” and one is technically a pressure cooker, and the remaining (3) are classic slow cookers. All of these fall into the “slow cooker” appliance genre.

I know what you’re thinking. “What on earth is an electric heating oven?” I’m glad you asked!

You already know. You probably call it a “crock pot.” Don’t worry, you’re not wrong! An electric heating oven is a cooking device where the pot (usually ceramic) is set into a heating element so that the dish is heated on all sides. Most of these just get called a “crock pot” after the well-known brand name — just like calling a paper tissue a “kleenex,” or all sodas “coke.” It’s just a thing we do here in America.

A slow cooker is a device where the pot (usually metal) is placed on top of a separate heating element.

Here’s where things get interesting. You can cook on that heating element separately, without the pot! You don’t even have to cook slow. You can make pancakes, heat tortillas, toast bread, braise meat, the list goes on. West Bend helps you out by including many recipes in the box when you buy one of their slow cookers.

West Bend Versatility Cooker (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

Top 3 feature of a West Bend Slow Cooker
  • Versatile — multiple devices in one.
  • Time and Space saver!
  • Easy to transport.

Details on Versatility

All West Bend slow cookers come with five parts. The hot plate. The metal pot. The glass lid. A travel lid. An insulated carry tote.

The keys to the versatility lie in the first 3 parts listed there. The hot plate can be used in the traditional set-up — in tandem with the pot, cooking any of the many different dishes that are possible with a slow cooker. You can make hot beverages like hot chocolate or mulled punch, slow cooker breads, even dried fruits! The traditional set up is also best for soups, curries, and sauces. You can even steam rice and make dumplings or oatmeal.

The hot plate is in fact a small-duty griddle. You can cook pancakes, braise meats before roasting, melt grilled cheese or quesadillas.

The beauty of all this versatility is that you’ve only used one pot and one heating element. That means just one pot to clean. Remember, it’s a non-stick pot. Clean up is a cinch.

I could go on, but here’s just one last point — the pot is a durable, multi-use kitchen pot. You can cook with it like any other pot. You can use it on the stove top, in the oven, or for food storage in the freezer or the fridge. It isn’t just a kitchen appliance, it’s cookware, and a to-go container perfect for taking and warming food at gatherings!

Saving Space One Appliance at a Time!

How many cabinets are devoted to appliances at your house? How many appliances just sit out on the counter, taking up precious space? When you get ready to cook, do you have to spend 15 minutes clearing space just to cut meat or vegetables?

Since the slow cooker is a pot and griddle in one, you can trade it out for your existing griddle, and any pot that’s not up to snuff any more.

That’s not the only way to save space. Since you cook the entire meal in one pot, you won’t be using multiple pots to make dinner. Just one pot to manage, one pot to clean. That translates to more time with your family.

So does using the slow cooker to make dinner ahead of time.

When you set the slow cooker to roast meat or slow cook a stew, it does the work while you occupy yourself with other activities. It cooks while you clean, it cooks while you go for a walk, it cooks while you help your kids with their homework or take care of bath time.

Never Worry About Spilling in the Back Seat!

Isn’t bringing food to a potluck or family gathering always a bit worrisome? It complicates the cooking process and the drive there.

You’ve got to time when you finish cooking with the start of the party, with getting your kids ready, and with getting ready yourself. Plus. you’ve got to carry the food somehow. How big of a tupperware container DO you have? Do you want to serve the dish in tupperware too?

The West Bend slow cooker is prepared to make this easy. It’s built to make it easy!

Two important innovations are included — the travel lid and the insulated tote. The travel lid locks into place, so you don’t have to worry that the whole dish spilled all over the back seat because someone cut you off in traffic. The plastic stays cool handles make the dish easy to place in the tote, and then there’s the tote itself. The slow cooker zips into the tote and will hold temperature well until serving time.

You can choose to bring the hot plate to keep it warm longer, use it to reheat the dish, or leave it at home and just use the tote for transport.

Whatever combination you choose, it will be easy and secure to move, easy to keep warm or reheat, and easy for you to clean and put up. Beyond that, five-quart and six-quart West Bend pots hold a lot of food.
West Bend Versatility Cooker (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

5 Reasons to buy a West Bend Slow Cooker
  • It’s more than just a crock pot. It’s a hot plate, a griddle, a to-go box, a hotel warmer, and food storage.
  • The slow cooker will save you time.
  • It is so easy to clean — both the griddle and the pot are non-stick and can be cleaned in the sink or dishwasher.
  • You can cook anything! West Bend includes 100+ recipes in the box, from soup to bread to meat.
  • It is made in America, by a company that’s been making products here for over 100 years.

​Made in the Heartland

The West Bend line of cooking appliances is well-known, well-respected, and time-tested. They take their name from the namesake city in which the company began: West Bend, Wisconsin, in 1911. Although the company has changed hands over the years, West Bend appliances are manufactured to this day in West Bend and Kewaskum, Wisconsin. For over 100 years, West Bend appliances have been designed and built in America.

​Drawbacks

What are the drawbacks to the West Bend slow cooker? Honestly, there are only a few. The devices look good, they’re durable, and customer service at West Bend is known to be helpful and responsive. What’s not to love?

The griddle is a bit small, depending on what you’re making. Five and six quarts is a good sized dish, enough to make a meal that serves 4-6 easily. The pot is plenty big. But the griddle itself can only cook 3-4 pancakes or tortillas at a time. You could fry 5-6 eggs at once. If you’re good at setting things aside to keep warm, this won’t be a deterrent, but if you prefer to cook 6 pancakes at once, you might continue to use your griddle for that particular dish.

Back to Basics – Specs and the Full Line of West Bend Cookware

​Not Just a Crock for Beans Anymore

Now that we are all on the same page about what we’re looking at, let’s discuss the details of what West Bend offers.

West Bend makes a classic crock-pot style electric slow cooker. This the classic slow cooker. The same device that was originally marketed and sold as a bean cooker. Today it does so much more. If you are looking for a classic, single-pot, ceramic slow cooker, this will do precisely the trick.

The West Bend version is oval, with a brushed stainless-steel exterior and jet-black ceramic crock insert. The pot is pretty and glazed on all sides and can be used as a serving dish on its own.

The crock is dishwasher-safe and has a large 6-quart capacity. The temperature is controlled with a dial that can be set to three temperature settings — warm, low and high.

​True Slow Cooking

The true slow cookers range in size and programmability. All come with a hot plate, metal pot and glass lid. They also come with a travel lid and a thermal carrying case for safe transportation. West Bend slow cookers come in 5-quart and 6-quart versions.

The slow cookers are oblong, oven-safe, stovetop-safe, and can be placed in both the freezer and the refrigerator. They double as safe food storage! Do you already have a 6-quart tupperware container? They are hard to come by!

You control the temperature with a dial that ranges again from a keep warm setting, which will keep your dish at a safe serving temperature, to a high setting for faster cooking times. The settings are warm, low, medium, high, griddle. The interior of the pot is a non-stick surface, guaranteeing easy cleanup, regardless of what you make.

West Bend makes a brushed metal, a red and a blue version of the slow cooker. All come with a dark grey thermal carrying case — it’s as easy to carry as a tote bag.

A Deluxe, Versatile Version

West Bend rounds out their slow cooker offerings with a Deluxe Versatility Cooker.

Sale
West Bend 87905R Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-Stick...
West Bend 87905R Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-Stick...
  • VARIABLE TEMPERATURE: Adjustable temperature control and large 5-quart cooking vessel make it easy to slow cook almost...
  • VERSATILE VESSEL: Cooking vessel features a non-stick interior and is safe for use in the oven, on the stove top, in the...
  • GRIDDLE BASE: Heating base doubles as a griddle
Buy on Amazon

This version features all the options of the slow cooker, all the versatility of uses, it can be programmed, and it comes with a removable roasting rack that inserts in the pot to make handling tender roasts much easier.

The Deluxe Versatility Cooker has a 6-quart capacity and the timer can be set for up to 19 hours 55 minutes for ultra-slow roasted meals.

​Under Pressure and Capable of Anything!

The final offering in the West Bend slow cooker line is the West Bend 6-quart Electric Pressure Cooker. This device redefines versatility.

West Bend 82011 Stainless Pressure Cooker Multicooker Also Slow Cooks...
West Bend 82011 Stainless Pressure Cooker Multicooker Also Slow Cooks...
  • 6-quart round cooking pot with non-stick interior and exterior
  • Multifunctional with adjustable setting controls
  • 7 built in safety features with cool touch locking lid and pressure release dial
Buy on Amazon

Also built in are a number of easy safety measures, which make using the pressure cooker safer, and more inviting. This device will cook, steam, make rice, boil pasta, cook meats. The pressure cooker is an ingenious device that locks in heat and steam and speeds up cooking time on traditionally slow-cooked recipes.
West Bend Versatility Cooker (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

Cooking Slow – Yet Saving Time

When you opt for a West Bend slow cooker,  you give yourself the freedom to get a lot more time back into your life. Unlike other cooking options, appliances, and even other slow cookers, you do not have to worry about fiddling with confusing dials and dealing with specific settings or ingredients. You simply gather everything that you need and put it together in a matter of minutes so that you can let the West Bend slow cooker do the rest for you. And with a quality product like the West Bend slow cooker, you do not have to worry about this appliance breaking down on you as they are tested and true to last you year after year and meal after meal.

Whichever West Bend slow cooker you choose, you will gain immediate time-saving benefits. You’ll gain not only a kitchen appliance, but ease of transport, and a wide array of new and easy dinner ideas.

Imagine the party trick when you pull a hot dish and warmer out of bag at the next social gathering. Equip yourself with a West Bend slow cooker and start to make plans with your free time and clean kitchen.

So, whether you are preparing a meal for yourself, a nice fancy dinner for the whole family, or a simple potluck dish for your next gathering with friends and coworkers, you are sure to fall in love with the magic, ease of use, and simplicity that the West Bend slow cooker can offer you. Just ask anyone who has already purchased one and they are sure to tell you that their West Bend slow cooker has been able to breathe new life into dinner time.

1234Page 1 of 4
© Copyright 2019 EnhancedKitchen.com