We Talk Shop

A few months ago I reviewed a Philips electric water kettle that I loved, but then I discovered mineral deposits forming in the bottom. After a little research, I realized a stainless steel bottom would resolve this issue and set about looking for a replacement kettle. And here it is, T-fal’s Vitesse 7-Cup Electric Kettle has almost every feature you could want in a kettle, and a few you might not expect.

In a head-to-head battle between the T-fal and Philips kettles, the Philips still wins a few rounds — the ding when the water was ready and the measurement window showing both cups and liters.

The T-fal, however, wins in a knock out with a slightly sleeker design (we shopgirls all about the aesthetics), a stainless steel kettle bottom, and a temperate control ranging from hot to boiling. And oh, it heats faster too.

Like the Philips, the cord can be hidden, and the kettle can be removed from the base. A couple things to note though — the temperature control can be finicky. It takes a few uses before you figure out what temperature you prefer. Also, even with a stainless steel bottom, you’ll still get mineral deposits, but it’s easy to wipe away.

Get it: T-fal makes some great products, and this one is no exception. While it could be improved by adding a few simple features like a ding to signal water is heated or an option to keep the water at a certain temperature, it’s still more than worth the buy. You can find it at Amazon and Target.

Next to my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer, this is easily my favorite kitchen appliance. I’m sure you’re thinking “doesn’t this just boil water, you know you can do that on a stove or in a microwave?” But why, when my handy Philips kettle boils water quicker, and then dings to let me know it’s finished. It’s quick, it’s convenient, and as someone who loves hot tea and hot chocolate, I know I’ll be drinking it in minutes. The water even stays warm long enough that I can have a second cup when I’m finished.

The kettle has a few other handy features as well. The base of the kettle itself is cold to the touch, only the base is hot, so you can remove the kettle from the base and sit in safely on the table. And as an added bonus, the cord can be wrapped under the base.

Get one! This An electric kettle will be your best friend at breakfast time - boil a whole pot of water and have hot tea or coffee singles, grits, oatmeal, and anything else that requires hot water to make it. I was not able to find my exact kettle, but you can find one similar on Amazon.com.

Update 5/2/07: I am updating/amending my earlier rating for this product, which I originally gave a five. Recently, the bottom of the kettle has had mineral deposits, which can end up in my drink. I’ve ordered a new kettle with a stainless steel bottom and all the other features that I loved about this product. I’ll let you know how I like it!

Does the perfect chopping tool exist? I’ve yet to find anything that works as well as my two hands and a knife, but that takes too long unless your a master chef or on a Ginsu commercial. I think I own at least four chopping tools and none of them get the job done 100 percent - they either don’t chop properly (ending up with large pieces still unchopped and others minced) or they require pushing down on them repeatedly which becomes painful. I want to be able to chop and dice all with one tool and without it pureeing my vegetables; I’ve got a blender for that. (I’ll be challenging the shopgirls and our readers to helping me find the ideal blender next …)

 The challenge is on. If you know of a chopper that really chops, let me know.

Ok - so I’ll admit it - I am addicted to Chai Tea Latte.
I am not a coffee person, so when my husband would go to Starbuck’s or Barnie’s, I of course wanted to have something to drink and found Chai Tea Latte. From that point on I was on a quest to find a way to make it at home. One day we were in Target and found this machine which advertised on the box that “the machine brings the cafe experience home and that you can automatically heat, whip, and mix instant cocoa, coffee and tea into frothy cafe style drinks”. No way I said, could this be true that I could make the drink that I loved so much any time I wanted?

Oh yes, heaven in a cup was mine again! The machine is so easy to use, just add the mix and milk and six minutes later, you have a perfect cup of Chai – the machine has a dispenser button that adds the “froth” to the top. Yummy!

I use the Vanilla Chai Tea Latte from Target – Pacific Rim brand which sells for $3.99 and you get about 10 cups – not bad.
Oh and yes it also makes a really great cup of hot chocolate. This machine is made by Back to Basics - the same company that sells the all in one breakfast station, I’ll save that one for another blog. The machine comes in white, black and brushed crome so it is sure to go with any kitchen decor and it is small enough to keep out on in a cabinet.

Get it: Target stores for $24.00, suggested retail price from Back to Basics $39.00.

The Magic Bullet is about as magic as the Magic 8-Ball. Last night I was tired, I was hungry, and I wanted my salad made quick so I could plop into the recliner and relax. I willed myself to start chopping the bell peppers, cucumber, celery and carrots. I looked over at my unopened Magic Bullet and visions of veggies chopped less than 10 seconds danced in my head. A few minutes later, the Bullet is plugged in and within 10 seconds I’ve chopped pureed my bell pepper. Outlook not so good. Unless pureed orange bell pepper is the new “it” nutritional beverage, we have a problem. Now in all fairness this is my 10-second impression because after looking at that liquid pepper (band name, anyone?) and all the veggies left to chop, I said forget it, and heated up a baked potato. So either I have not mastered the art of the “Tap” method or this product isn’t as magic as it claims to be.