Product Review-Kitchen Gadgets

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

29 Jul 2006 12:30 PM

I wouldn't consider myself a snoop, but I do enjoy "exploring" other people's homes (while they are present, of course). Last week my daughter's playgroup was held at the home of our newest "mom member." Since I had never been to her house I was naturally curious about what goodies were inside. I don't mean to sound like a thief targeting my next hit--I'm merely interested in discovering new decorating ideas or interesting household gadgets that I might consider adding to my own home.

My visit to "New Mom's" house was the inspiration for this blog. She graciously let me try out two kitchen products that I had seen advertised on TV.

The first was the "One Touch Automatic Can Opener." (I'm sure you have seen TV ads for this product.) It claims it will "alleviate aching hands" that come as a result of using a manual can opener.

The battery powered "One Touch" says it can open cans all by itself... and it does. With the touch of a button the opener went to work on a small can of fruit cocktail. It performed like a champ with one caveat-it's rather slow. You could definitely open a can quicker using a manual can opener. However, if you were elderly or arthritic this gadget would make life a lot easier. "New Mom" says she loves the "One Touch," but adds that it doesn't work on over-sized bulk can goods. But for $30, she says she considers it a good buy.

The other product I got to test was one that I know you're familiar with, especially if you have children. It's called the "Make-It-Yourself Cotton Candy Maker." Once again "New Mom" graciously allowed me to do the honors (cotton candy was a planned playgroup menu item, lest you think I dug through her cabinets arbitrarily looking for gadgets to test out).

The box read: "Cotton candy is a favorite at fairs and festivals... now you can make it at home and have fun with the whole family." I was prepared to have fun, but had to wait five minutes for the machine to warm up. After that, the cotton candy making process was fairly simple. All I did was pour in the sugar and the machine started spinning. In less than three minutes (this is an estimate-I really wasn't watching the clock, but it felt like three minutes) the super-heated sweetener spun a web of fluff around the bowl. I quickly collected enough to fill my mouth (hey, all good chefs taste-test their dishes, right), and I must say it was quite yummy. The only problem: the amount I took out pretty much cleaned out the bowl.

The bottom line: the machine works wonderfully; it is simple to use and the end product is delicious, but it doesn't make a lot of cotton candy at once. The Cotton Candy Maker cost "New Mom" about 50 bucks, but she admitted she doesn't use it very often. I left her home wondering if I would get more use from it--probably not.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Jaime Egan (2178) 29 Jul 2006 02:38 PM

Cool. I have wondered about that one-touch can opener. Sounds okay. Have you seen the new Vidalia Chop Wizard? That's the one I want to try!

Michele Cheplic (37349) 29 Jul 2006 04:42 PM

Jaime--about the onion chopper--I'll have to check the kitchens of the other moms and get back to you. :)

mhoistion (15) 01 Aug 2006 09:59 AM

I LOVE visiting other people's kitchens to look at their gadgets! I mean you see all this stuff on TV but who wants to waste the money and buy it all to find out it doesn't really work.... I have 1 cool thing to add and a request for an opinion. first the cool thing- On one of my sojourns into kitchen heaven- I found a product called a fridge frame, www.fridgeframe.com. I had to have it and I'll explain why- I have tons of pictures on my fridge, my kids at the beach, etc... but my 4 yr old loves to touch them with yucky fingers ruining my pictures- but not with the fridge frame- I put all my pictures in it- and they are all protected by a heavy vinyl coating so I can see them without them getting destroyed. Next- I want to know if anyone has tried the new pasta express thingy...it's a tube that you put the pasta in and it cooks it.....I want one, but again I was unsure if it works or not. Let me know! Thanks a bunch! Melissa

Michele Cheplic (37349) 01 Aug 2006 10:35 AM

Melissa--You are in luck...I just did a product review on the Pasta Express. Here's the link: http://home.families.com/blog/as-seen-on-tv. Thank you for the great idea about the fridge frame. I have a sticky-fingered 2-year-old much like your 4-year-old. Great tip! Thank you very much!