Review: STX INTERNATIONAL STX-3000-MF Megaforce Patented Air Cooled Electric Meat Grinder

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This electric sausage stuffer by STX International has a patented Cowl Air Induction cooling system.  It has a locked motor wattage of 3000 watts and operates on 3 speeds.  For safety, it has a circuit breaker and is a size no.12.  It is 2 ½ inches in diameter and has a 2’ diameter feed tube.  This unit is not safe for the dishwasher.

The 3 tempered steel grinding plates are included as well as a bean plate, 3 stainless steel cutting blades, a 3 piece set of sausage tubes and Kubba attachment.   The satisfaction customer service rating is an amazing 99.8% with over 80,000 grinders having been sold across the nation in the past seen years.  All STX products carry a 1-year warranty that includes parts and labor on replacement parts.

The three blades that come with this unit can be matched up with the 3 grinding plates so that the blades are kept sharper and are more precise resulting in a better grind on the meat.  The blades are made of stainless steel and can be processed through the dishwasher for easy cleanup.  The flat sharpened part of the blade is to be facing outward or it will not function properly.  The grinder should never go through the dishwasher but should, instead, be hand washed and never soaked for an extended period of time for risk of discoloration.

The reviews of this appliance were generally quite good.  It was noted that it was a powerful meat grinder and had very good results mechanically.  It was stated that paying a few dollars more for this model was considered a good move and that the cowl air induction was a huge plus and works well.

The assembly was noted as fairly easy and the instructions helpful as well.  The general ease of use was noted as a positive attribute.  It was said that the machine works so well and so quickly, the reviewer had trouble keeping up with the machine which was stated as a plus.

Since hunters often use this device, it is important to note that there were a good number of reviews from hunters that were positive.  It was said that it grinded deer meat quite well.

The reviews ranged from those that used the unit for sausage and hamburger to some who used it to make dog food.  At least one stated that he had trouble keeping up with the machine, as did the other reviewer.  Cleaning the device was said to be easy and performance, excellent. It was praised that the parts come apart easily for cleaning and go back on well too.  Many said they were skeptical about purchasing the device, having had bad experiences with other ones before or having never owned and operated a meat grinder, sausage stuffer.  But they turned out to be very pleased that they did so.

Mentioned, as a negative was that the motor on the unit was loud.  It was also stated that the noise might be due to the large and powerful motor.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the STX INTERNATIONAL STX-3000-MF Megaforce Patented Air Cooled Electric Meat Grinder.

Review: Mirro 92116 Polished Aluminum 16-Quart Pressure Cooker Canner, Silver

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This pressure canner is rustproof and is made of heavy-gauge aluminum.  It has a capacity for 16-pint jars or 5 quart jars.  It features 3 cooking pressure options, which are 5 psi, 10 psi, and 15 psi so it maintains a very steady pressure during the process.  The overpressure plug on this device is reusable.  It has a sure locking lid system and side gasket pressure release as well.

Included with the unit is a cooking rack and user guide with recipes and there is a 10-year limited warranty, which is far more than most pressure cookers offer.  For the actual replacement parts, there is a 1-year limited warranty.  The unit is dishwasher safe and offers easy clean up as well as easy maintenance.  It is silver in color and is an attractive addition to most any kitchen décor.

The fact that this canner has a jiggler on top rather than a gauge was praised in the reviews.  It was also recognized that it performed well for most and was a good price too.  There were said to be a lot of features for the price.

One thing that was noted as a negative was the there is a button in the handle that is the pressure monitoring mechanism, but that was not mentioned in the guide.  In fact, there were several mentions of the instructions for this unit being lacking in other areas of information as well.  It was stated as a negative that this pressure canner cannot be used on a flat cooktop stove but then again, most cannot be.

It was mentioned that this device comes with recipes but that they are recipes for a pressure cooker and not for a pressure canner.  It was also mentioned that this model, the 16-quart one, does not come with two cooling racks as the larger pressure canner model of this brand does.

The three choices of psi was a big plus as far as reviewers were concerned.  The fact that it is dishwasher safe was a plus too.  It was said to work well and it was stated that it was very durable too.  It is not an expensive model and many liked the price tag and related that some flaws could be overlooked given the good bargain.

The base of the cooker was noted for having a small footprint and that was a plus as was the good number of excellent safety features that it has.  The spring safety device that prevents pressure from building unless the lid is closed was another positive attribute that went along with the safety features.

It was said that if the instructions were clearer, especially concerning the dangers and things having to do with safety mechanisms, this device would be a lot safer. Though it was more the lacking of the instructions than the lacking of the device, that poor marks were given in the safety department.

All in all, this device had some issues that were mentioned, but there was a good amount of positives as well.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Mirro 92116 Polished Aluminum 16-Quart Pressure Cooker Canner, Silver.

Review: Presto 01341 4-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

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This Presto brand pressure cooker has a 4-quart capacity although there are also 6-quart and 8-quart models available by the same brand and in the same style.  It is stainless steel with a thick black handle.  This device comes with a special rack that can be utilized to cook more than one food at a time so that the flavors do not marry.

There is a secure cover lock that readily indicates when the cooker has pressure inside of it and it will not allow the unit to be opened until it is completely safe to do so.  The lid locks down and, therefore, traps the moisture in so that it cannot escape and cause burning.  There is an overpressure plug that actually releases any excess steam when it builds up in excess.  Another feature of this cooker is safety, that it can be used on regular or smooth-top ranges, and induction ones as well which is a huge plus for those that would like to do so or who have limited space.  There is also a helper handle device and the cooker is dishwasher safe when it is unplugged and the sealing ring and the overpressure plug are taken out.

For those who are cooking single or small meals, this 4-quart size has definite advantages.  It takes up less space and cost less too.  It also uses less energy.  Pressure cookers, in general, are said to save 70% of the energy that traditional cooking uses because they cook so quickly.  The measurements are 9-inch diameter by 6 ½ inches tall.  The unit measures 16 ½ inches when the handles are included in the measurement.  It comes with a 64-page detailed instruction book, a good size recipe booklet and special safety tips as wells.

Although some customer complaints were voiced in the reviews that the device was defective or there was a problem with parts, the customers also stated that their matters were tended to in a satisfactory manner.  Some customers had issues with the screws to the handle missing upon receipt but were sent more as a result of their contacting the seller.  There were a few complaints about the quality and durability of the non-stick coating but again, most of those who reviewed with issues had the problems resolved.

One big positive to this device is the price.  It is in the low range, costing about $40.  It is small, but it is exceptionally powerful for its size and for its price as well.  It is a good unit for those who are just starting to use a pressure cooker and for those who have been leery of using one or, for those who simply do not need to cook much at one time.

This product comes with 12-year extended warranty, which is the reason many are willing to take a chance on trying a pressure cooker.  It has an overall rating of 4.5.  The majority of the reviews were good ones.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Presto 01341 4-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker.

Review: T-fal FR7008 Ultimate EZ Clean 2.65-Pound / 3.3-Liter Stainless Steel Immersion Deep Fryer

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This home deep fryer is a T-fal brand fryer.  It is quite easy to maintain and simple to clean and is a stainless steel immersion variety. The state-of-the-art device has a capacity of up to 2.65 pounds of food so it easily accommodates a nice size family.  It uses 3.3 liters of oil and has a basket that goes into two positions, one for cooking and one for draining the food.  There is a handy external basket handle as well so it can be safely carried with ease.

The patented oil filtration system with automatic oil drainage system works well to automatically drain the used oil and it even filters the good oil from the bad.  There is an odor filtration system too so the grease does not get rancid.  There are removable parts that can be conveniently placed in the dishwasher after they are removed although the electrical parts are not to be in water, of course.  The unit performs at 1,700 watts in power and carries a 1 year limited warranty.

This home fryer is one of the more modern models with many features to offer.  It is not cheap and if fact, it is in the upper-mid price range level or even up to the upper range.  It does have quite a few features that many reviewers thought highly of for the most part.  There were so negatives pointed out though.

The reviews were generally favorable for the most part. There were many who stated they loved the way the unit cooked.  They raved about the consistently in which the food cooked.  The temperature levels were said to be accurate and dependable.  Many also stated that it was an attractive addition to the kitchen and liked the stainless steel design.

Many had good things to say about the many extra features as well.  The filtration system for the oil was a huge plus on this model.  The odor filtration system was said by some to be helpful yet others said they could not tell any difference.  The baskets were a good plus for the unit and the carrying handles were a positive as well.  The fact that this unit works on 1,700 watts was a good mention since that means it heats fast initially and then once the food is put in, it heats back up quickly as well.  Some mentioned that helped the food not taste greasy or get soggy.

There was mention of oil leaking out by more than one who reviewed.  Overall, the consumers who reviewed spoke well of the device and really liked the fact that it accommodates an entire family.  There was concern over several things like a lot of odor or vapor in the air despite the odor filtration system.  Another mention was that when even the slightest bit overfilled from the fill indication line, the unit will overflow and foam oil out.  The reviewers felt there should be a leeway given so the line was not drawn so dramatically to perhaps allow for a little human error.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the T-fal FR7008 Ultimate EZ Clean 2.65-Pound / 3.3-Liter Stainless Steel Immersion Deep Fryer.

Review: All American 921 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

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This All American brand pressure canner is a cooker and a canner all in one device.  The size of this attractive canner is a 21½-quart capacity so it holds 19 pint jars or 7 quart jars.  It is well made out of durable aluminum that is heavy and durable hand-cast and quite attractive as well.  It has a metal-to-metal sealing system with no gaskets so you never have to worry with replacing a gasket with this fine canner.

It features a geared stem gauge plus an automatic overpressure release so steam never explodes the lid of.  The settings are 5 psi and 15 psi.  The unit measures 15-3/8 inches high with 12-1/4-inch inside diameter and is proudly made in the USA.  It can hold a 19pint capacity or 7 quart jars.  The pressure regulator valve is included and is has three settings on it.

This device falls into compliance with the fact that when canning, a pressure cooker is recommended as it will reach a very high heat so it will kill more bacteria that a simple hot water bath.  With that in mind, this device is a safe way to preserve food and is also excellent to cook other foods in as well.

The reviews for this pressure canner were favorable for the most part.  One thing that was praised highly was that it is made of thick aluminum walls so it maintains a steady pressure and even with the unit on a high setting, it slowly builds up the pressure which allows for not slaving over the stove to monitor every process, constantly venting off excess pressure.

It was mentioned that the canner does take a bit longer to cool down that some other units do because of the fact that the walls are much thicker and therefore there is more that needs to cool down but that was not really stated as a negative given the advantages of a thick wall.

There were some reviews that came from individuals who used this pressure canner for professional work such as one used it in classes she taught and one used in a lab type setting.  This device worked to properly serve the purpose it needed to for both of the reviews and they reviewed favorably that it did its job well.

The durability of this pressure canner was said to be very good.  One reviewer recommended that it be purchased and handed down to the grandchildren.  It was said that the unit does not warp as some other models do.

It is recommended that the gauge be checked by a local agricultural extension of the state.  In some cases that was seen as a negative but most appreciated the extra care and concern that was expressed in the suggestion.  It was also stated that it was a good thing that there was no seal to have to worry with replacing and that the only thing that might go out was the gauge.

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Review: Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker

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This Presto brand 23-quart pressure canner doubles as a pressure cooker too.  It is the only method that is recommended as being safe for canning vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood by the Department of Agriculture.  This device also serves as a boiling-water canner that is great for preserving fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and even salsa.  It is a large capacity pressure cooker for it is very convenient.

The unit is warp resistant because it is made from heavy-gauge aluminum and, therefore, works great for fast and even heating.  It not only works on regular stove tops but on smooth-top ranges as well.  It carries an extended 12-year limited warranty.

One of the main features of this canner is that it has a convenient and helpful deluxe pressure dial gauge that enables it to register the complete range of processing pressures, which is extremely important because precise measurement is vital, especially important at higher altitudes.  The air vent and cover lock is a feature that allows for the built up steam pressure to escape so the sturdy lid does not explode off.  It only allows pressure to build when the cover is properly closed which is a huge safety feature.

This deluxe, extra-large size is fantastic for large canning jobs.  It has a liquid capacity of 23 quarts.  The unit comes with a canning/cooking rack and complete 76-page detailed instruction and recipe book with over 50 recipes for soups stocks, stews, pot roasts and even brown bread.   The pressure cooker measures 14 inches in diameter (the handles are 3 inches, making it 17 inches total in diameter) and 15-1/2 inches tall.

It is recommended that on non-abrasive cleaners and cleaning materials be used.  Metal polish can be used on the exterior if desired.  The lid of this device is not immiscible.  It is, however, very easy to clean.

The reviews on this unit were quite good.  Some mentioned that the canner performed quite well.  Many of them also loved the reliability of the device.  The fact that it has safety precautions is a big plus.  The fact that it can be used on a flat stovetop was a big positive point that was mentioned more than once.  The consistency of the pressure canner was given good grades as well.

It was mentioned, on the downside), that the instructions recommend that the pressure gauge should be double-checked through the local state’s extension office.  The reviewer had attempted, but the office did not know how to check it which may have been the fault of the office.  The reviewer then said she called the company and got assistance in checking it herself.

One other drawback mentioned was the fact that the replacement parts could possibly be hard to come by.  The review’s local hardware store only had some of the parts and the others were $50 and upwards-in price.

The reviews for the most part praised this model and some said it was the best they had ever owned.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker.

Review: Instant Pot IP-LUX60 6-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker

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This Instant Pot brand pressure cooker is 6.33 quarts and features 6 functions.  It not only serves as a pressure cooker but also sautés, browns, warms, steams and doubles as a rice and slow cooker.  The third-generation piece of technology features a smart program with a total of ten possible applications.  It has an embedded microprocessor.  Options include automatic warming, 3 temperature settings for lower heat cooking and also has a delay cooking time selection available too.

The product is made of stainless steel and has a black bottom, trim, and lid.  The bottom is of 3-ply stainless steel and comes with a separate steam rack that is also made out of stainless steel.  A rice paddle, measuring cup, soupspoon, instructions, a cooking time chart and even a collection of recipes accompany the product.

The device is UL and ULC certification and has 10 safety features, which include a safety lock lid, pressure regulator and a system that monitors to assure food does not burn.  It is also energy efficient, using about 70% less energy than conventional cooking methods.

In addition, the cooker has a fingerprint proof outside, features an easy to clean design and is also very quiet.  It does not leak steam nor does it heat the air or surfaces around it.

Selling for around $125, the product is in the mid to upper mid price range.  Most consumers who reviewed this product found that to be a fair price for the features it offers.

Very high reviews were given to this small appliance as a rice cooker.  Some reviewers stated that it is so compact and convenient and that it heats so quickly, they use it instead of a microwave for health reasons.  Others also stated that they especially liked the fact that they did not have to bother with standing beside the cooker to detect when the device had heated up since it is automatic and programmable.

One complaint several had was that it does not heat up to as high of a level as some pressure cookers do.  It appears it is more of a medium or medium-high level.  Most also expressed that this was not a huge concern and it was worth sacrificing for the positive attributes found in the cooker.  It was also cited that the cooking times that are described in the booklet that accompanies the product may be misleading because they do not factor in the heating time which incidentally, are not long lengths of time but might be significant if a particular food has a strict cooking time regulation.

A main praise of the product in the reviews was that it is easy to use, small in size and safe.  Some stated that they were wary of using a pressure cooker at all but felt at ease with this model.  Others indicated that they make smaller meals so this more compact size works well for them.

Overall, the reviews of this product were positive ones.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Instant Pot IP-LUX60 6-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker.

Review: Presto 05411 GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer

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This GranPappy Presto model electric deep fryer is a basic black countertop unit with a bucket-style design.  It features a heavy-duty cast aluminum, non-stick finish and so it cleans up quickly and easily and also does not let the food stick to it.  It also promotes consistent cooking.  It features skid-resistant rubber feet making it much safer than other devices that tend to slide around.

The device operates at 1500 watts.  It consistently keeps oil at optimum temperature automatically.  It has a handy magnetic safety cord and comes complete with a slotted scoop spoon and a snap-on storage lid as well. This appliance is quite safe and is built to North American Electrical Standards.  It only uses 6 cups of oil and maintains a consistent frying temperature for perfect frying.  It uses 120 watts and 60 Hz only.  It measures 8 by 8-1/2 inches and has a one-year limited warranty.

It is recommended that after using, this device be allowed to cool completely. When it has cooled down completely, the grease can be emptied out.  Then, the device can be washed with warm and sudsy water and then dried.  It cannot be immersed.  Doing so can risk ruining the entire fryer.  Since it is made of non-stick material, no abrasive cleaning materials should be used on it like steel wool or those with scratchy surfaces.

Although it is stated that a lid can be used on the device to prevent splattering, the lid that comes with it is one that is for storage only. It is not designed to be used while the unit is being used and very well may melt.  The only time the device really splatters, as a rule, was said to be when new food is placed into the device and it splashes up a bit from the change of temperature, as grease does tend to do.

Most reviews on this unit were good.  Some were praising the convenience and durability and mentioning that it cooked great but it was noted that it tends to undercook at times such as chicken with the bone in but, most agreed that in general, it cooks evenly and consistently the majority of the time.  The price was considered a positive bonus.

It was said that in general, the cooking was even and that it is very lightweight and although it is considered by some to be just a glorified pot that holds oil, it was noted that it is easy to store and does not take up too much room if left on the counter plus the design is nice and attractive and goes well with most kitchen decors.  Many felt that when compared to many other makes and models of the same size and price range, this model came out on top in quite a few categories.

While there were some who felt that the device could benefit from some extra added features, it was pretty unanimous that the price tag was good for what this fryer does.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Presto 05411 GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer.

Review: Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker

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This full-size 6-quart  features 7 functions.  It is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and yogurt maker plus it sautés, browns, warms and steams.  It is stainless steel with a black bottom, trip and lid and has a control panel that is large and easy to use.  The cooker is built with the latest 3rd Generation Technology.  There are 14 smart programs built in.  It has 3 temperature options for lower level settings when slow cooking or sautéing.  There are also two pressures to choose from and an auto-warm option as well.

This product is UL and ULC certified and has 10 safety mechanisms that have passed rigorous tests.  In addition, it is energy efficient.  The cooking pot is made of 3-layer stainless steel and comes with a stainless steel steaming rack with a handle.  Although the MAX line is marked on the inside pot, it is an indication for liquids.  Dry foods (like a chicken or pot roast) can extend over the MAX limit.  The cooker comes with recipes written in English, French, Chinese and Spanish.

While the Instant Pot is in the upper mid price range, selling on Amazon prime for around $135, most who reviewed the product stated that they felt it was a good buy with the features it offers and the size as well.

One aspect that those who reviewed seemed to enjoy was the built-in settings available for such things as meat/stew, chicken, multi-grains, porridge, soup, and bean/chili.

The stainless steel surface was rated high on its browning capabilities.  Although it is not non-stick, it was said to be fairly easy to clean.  The aluminum disk at the bottom of the cooking insert was a feature that, while helpful for keeping an even heat distribution, was a drawback for some who reported that it made it difficult to cook certain dishes such as pasta with tomato sauce.  But of those who mentioned such, they also agreed that it was a small complaint to have for a product that does not have chemicals often found in the non-stick ones and that holds up tough to metal utensils.  There is a non-stick insert that can be purchased from the manufacturer, but it does not brown as well as the stainless steel one.

The lid of the cooker can rest open by simply inserting a tab into the handle, which is a feature many find helpful.  This often times eliminates the need to completely remove the lid, risking burning and puddles on the countertop.  Some models tend to have areas in which condensation collects, but this one does not which many reviews found to be a huge plus.

There were a few reported occurrences of defective cookers and non-working or missing parts, but those situations were resolved.  An issue with the fuse was the most common problem listed and although the majority of those who reviewed stated they were sent a replacement fuse that provided the fix, a few were unhappy that the issue existed in the first place.

Overall, this product got high reviews and was described as being a great addition to the kitchen.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker.

Review: Presto 05450 DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer

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This home deep fryer is a dual-compartment bucket-style countertop electric deep fryer.  The brand is Presto.  It is made of heavy-duty aluminum and features a nonstick finish so food won’t stick and it is easy to clean. It has stay-cool handles for easy pickup and comes complete with a slotted spoon, snap-on storage lid, and even a magnetic safety cord.

This device has a removable divider that allows for frying two different kinds foods at one time without worry that the flavors will marry. It is capable of making up to 8 servings at one time. It keeps oil consistently at the most optimal temperature automatically and operates at 1500 watts. It uses 120 volts and 60 Hz only. This frying unit measures 9 by 14 by 8-1/2 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

The unit is sleek and has an elliptical black bucket shape. It is simple yet nice looking with a design that goes well with most kitchen decors. It conveniently sits on most any counter and looks nice.

It is recommended that after frying with the device, it be unplugged so it can cool down completely before any attempt is made to empty oil out of it. Then, it can be washed with warm, soapy water and dried completely. The use of steel wool to clean it is not advised nor is the use of any other harsh cleaning solution. There is a simple instruction book and recipe sheet that comes with the purchase.

The reviews on this deep fryer were good, for the most part. The device was said to look attractive and to perform well. It was noted that the price was fair too. The nice and convenient size of the unit was praised and the fact that it is easy to clean. It was stated that if the unit had a power light to alert that it was on and also one to indicate when the oil temperature was up, it would be an even better device.

It was also stated that it is important not to overload the fryer or it will foam over. Our deep fryer reviews indicated that it was a minute or two quicker in heating up than some other models that are of comparable price and size.  The fact that the temperature holds quite well was noted by more than one review.

On the negative side, it was noted that the utensils it comes with were said by some to be lacking in quality such as the slotted scoop spoon was said to be cheap.  Some mentioned that the filter that is included was not worth messing with and stated they just bypass using it and pour the oil straight in.  Some felt the 2 compartments were too small and that the lid was worthless and that it actually melted on one occasion.  Some found it helpful to purchase their own thermometer and used it since the device does not come with one.  It was also mentioned that the outside of the fryer gets very hot.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Presto 05450 DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer.
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