All posts in “Kitchen”

This Airfryer Toaster Oven from Cuisinart is large enough for 3 lbs of chicken wings

The unfortunate situation we are in since early in 2020 has taught us to adapt. As such most of us are no longer commuting to the office and working from home. It may be a dream come true for many, but it also brings forth some unhealthy caveats. For those who love to snack on fried food, perhaps this Airfryer Toaster Oven from Cuisinart can make things a little healthier.

Although the idea that less or no oil can be beneficial is still up for debate among health experts, this all-in-one kitchen appliance seems to be quite convenient. Reducing our intake of grease might be the key to lose some of the pandemic weight we have gained.

Although there are smart-enabled digital models out there, Cuisinart is going with an analog configuration. At least we can burn some calories to cook our tasty treats before we binge-watch our favorite shows and movies. The Airfryer Toaster Oven measures 15.50 x 16 x 14 inches and weighs around 21 lbs.

As such, it would be easy to find a spot on your countertop and move it around. Cuisinart says it’s large enough to air fry up to 3 lbs of chicken wings or toast 6 slices of bread. Choose from seven functions: Toast, Warm, Convection Broil, Convection Bake, Bake, Broil, and AirFry.

Moreover, you can bake a 4-lbs chicken and 12-inch pizza. Just note that the pizza stone is an optional purchase. The standard package includes the air fryer basket, oven rack, and baking pan. With a non-stick interior coat, cleanup of the Airfryer Toaster Oven should be easy after use. You can get it in stainless steel, white/stainless steel, or black/stainless steel.

Buy – $199.95

Images courtesy of Cuisinart

Instead Of Pots & Pans, Cook It All on the Flat Top

The Flat Top instantly converts your range stove into a flat top griddle. By eliminating the need for pots, pans, & skillets, it makes meal prep easier than ever. Whether you’ve got a gas, electric, glass-top or ceramic-top range, there’s a Flat Top that fits perfectly. Made in Kansas with heavy duty 3/16” American steel, they can handle temps up to 600º, offering a large 27” x 20” cook surface.

Grow an Edible Garden Indoors with the Click & Grow 25

The Click & Grow 25 allows you to grow your own fresh vegetables and herbs right at home. As the most space and energy-efficient indoor garden on the market, it provides a continuous harvest with minimal effort. Using biodegradable Smart Soil plant pods which contain seeds, perfectly calibrated nutrients and optimal levels of pH to ensure the perfect conditions for growth, it takes up 3.2 sq. ft & yet you’re able to grow 25 plants simultaneously. A funded Kickstarter.

Turn your leftover food scraps into plant fertilizer with the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

As much as we prefer the traditional configuration for our rides, the impact of combustion engines urges us to take action. Every effort no matter how irrelevant it may seem will contribute to the recovery of mother nature. Therefore, we try to push ourselves and encourage others to be more mindful of our actions. To help us along the way, Vitamix introduces the FoodCycler FC-50.

If you call the kitchen a place of refuge in your home, then it’s likely that you’ve heard of the brand. In fact, most of us recognize it as the manufacturer of high-performance blenders and other meal preparation equipment. As for the FoodCycler FC-50, it will help households turn food scraps into something beneficial.

Instead of just throwing leftovers from cooking and eating, Vitamix helps you convert that into another type of nutrition. It might not be for human consumption, but it will make the plants in your garden quite happy. Since we practically depend on our verdant friends to live, it’s the least we can do.

This compact and nature-friendly gadget virtually eliminates the need for store-bought fertilizers. Instead, it puts whatever is left behind from your meals to good use. Taking up only a cubic foot of space, there will be no problem finding a spot for the FoodCycler FC-50 in your kitchen.

No worries about foul odors lingering thanks to the carbon filter lid of the FoodCycler FC-50. Vitamix says that its silent operation makes it the ideal food waste disposal alternative. Once the contents are empty, just put the removable waste bucket in the dishwasher and it’s ready for action once the cycle is complete.

Buy – $399.95

Images courtesy of Vitamix

Put the Ultimate Edge on Every Knife with the Angle Pro

Designed to work with every shape, size and style of knife blade in your kitchen, the Rhineland Angle Pro is a sharpener like no other. It works on varios blade angles—from 21º to 13º. An included gauge takes the guesswork out of determining blade angle and once you know that, sharpening it a fine finish is easier than ever. The sharpening blades use a diamond edge to do their thing. Sized to fit & store easily in a standard kitchen drawer.

The ARB Slide Kitchen Levels Up Your Outdoor Cooking Station

Cooking options are limited when you’re out in the great outdoors. There are portable cookers and other camping gear that do the job when you want to whip up something easy and simple. But if you have the ARB Slide Kitchen, you can definitely feed a family.

This is a fully-contained kitchen set up for your SUV or truck. As its name suggests, it slides out from the back of your vehicle and flips open into a backcountry cooking station. It sets up and packs in 15 seconds and stays in place without the need for a support leg.

A built-in slam latch drawer handle lets you pull out the slider and bring out the kitchen-grade stainless steel benchtop. The bench then locks into place and a red locking tab swings out the stove and sink. The ARB Slide Kitchen features a fully-retractable over-extension roller design for complete vehicle clearance.

This fully-functional outdoor kitchen even provides space for storing small items below the benchtop while at the end is an aluminum powder-coated drawer for cooking and eating utensils.

What makes the ARB Slide Kitchen simply amazing and reliable as an outdoor kitchen is its cooking capacity. It is equipped with a Thetford Argent 3 burner MK3 stove which comprises one large 2.5kW rapid burner and two smaller 1.25kW burners with flame-out tech. The stoves come with a tempered glass lid as a protective covering. Then there’s the 12L collapsible silicone sink to clean food, dishes, or wash hands. It comes with a dish drying base and can hold a max weight of 15kg.

Learn More Here

Images courtesy of ARB 4×4 Accessories

Take guesswork out of grilling and air frying with Ninja’s Foodi Smart XL Grill

For those of you eager to brave the cold and bask in the warmth of your outdoor gas grill, by all means, go for it. For the rest of you, worry not, because Ninja also is ready with the Foodi Smart XL Grill. With this in your collection of meal preparation equipment, you can prepare and feast on almost anything.

One of the best ways to cook certain dishes is by grilling. We understand, now is probably not the season for it, but rules are made to be broken. As long as you have the ingredients on hand, the Foodi Smart XL Grill is yours to command.

Although it primarily does what its name says, this here is a 6-in-1 machine. The versatility of the features it offers alone is enough to push us to get one. However, Ninja is making it difficult to say no by teasing us with indoor grilling goodness.

That’s right, we can now get those beautiful grill marks and the signature flavor of a regular gas grill minus the smoke. If you fancy something else, the Foodi Smart XL Grill can also double as an air fryer. You’ve probably heard about how the latter is a great option to cut back on the grease.

As for capacity, this bad boy can fit up to 6 steaks or up to 24 hot dogs, to feed your hungry crew. Even if you are a greenhorn at grilling, Ninja’s Smart Cook System has you covered. Select your protein of choice, set the level of doneness, and let the Foodi Smart XL Grill handle the rest.

Buy – $279.99

Images courtesy of Ninja

Cook like a pro with Weber’s Genesis II SX-335 smart grill

Now that most of us are stuck at home once again, it’s time to looks for activities that involve some fresh air. However, nobody ever said that you can’t enjoy a good barbecue just because it’s freezing outside. With some minor adjustments to the cooking process, it is possible. Moreover, the right equipment — such as the Genesis II SX-335 from Weber – can make the process even more enjoyable.

Unless you’re crazy enough to grill some grub in a snowstorm, it should be an enjoyable experience. The warmth from flames and the mouth-watering aroma of your meals should be enough to help you forget its winter. The Genesis II SX-335 is just one of the many smart grills from Weber’s latest catalog.

The wireless connectivity the ships with every model lets you relax while the sensors keep a close watch on your food. The digital thermometers will automatically notify you when it’s ready to dig in. Users can set the time, temperature, and even monitor the fuel level of the Genesis II SX-335.

This premium freestanding gas grill measures 47 inches high, 59 inches wide, and 31 inches thick with the lid closed. You have three stainless-steel burners rated at 39,000 BTU, a sear zone at 9,000 BTU and a side burner at 12,000 BTU. You’re getting 669 square inches of cooking space including the warming rack and stainless-steel flavorizer bars underneath.

For excellent heat retention, the cooking grates are fashioned from 7-mm diameter solid stainless-steel rods. The two side tables are perfect for food preparation, while the built-in cabinet is perfect for storing your grilling gear. Aside from its smart connectivity, the Genesis II SX-335 also boasts LED lighting for the control knobs and handle.

Buy – $1,299.00

Images courtesy of Weber

Wood Looks Good On This Magnetic Knife Rack

With an exterior of rich, warm walnut wood, the Maison Milan Magnetic Knife Holder keeps kitchen cutlery conveniently within reach and securely stored. At 20-inches wide, it features 2 slots and magnets throughout for keeping knives of all sizes and shapes. Easy-to-hang wall hardware is included.

Cast Iron Cooking Without the Weight: Buccaneer Skillet

With a design developed by crowdsourced input from more than 10,000 cooking enthusiasts, the Buccaneer Skillet is a cast iron classic optimized for modern kitchens. It features lightweight cast iron construction with a honeycomb pattern in the cooking surface that produces perfect heat conduction and is naturally non-stick. Stay-cool handles are made of polished stainless steel. Choose from a 9”or 11” size skillet. A funded Kickstarter.

Convert Kitchen Waste Into Compost in Just 48 Hours

The Kalea household composter turns your kitchen scraps into clean, useable compost in just 48 hours. Similar in size & shape to a kitchen waste bin, it uses a simple 3-step process to convert fruit, vegetable, meat, dairy, cooked food, and fish waste into hygienic, ready-to-use compost with no odor or mess. Sensors and intelligent control systems process & dry the material before shredding it into a dirt-like & nutrient-rich fertilizer. Mix it with soil at a 1:10 ratio to give your plants an immediate boost. A funded Kickstarter.

The Benchmade Table Knife Levels Up Your Cutting Skills On The Table

Benchmade is taking its knifemaking expertise from the field to the table. Their first-ever kitchen knife, the Benchmade Table Knife, is sure to bring out your inner chef.

This clip-point blade is as versatile as it can get. It can slice off anything from vegetables, meat, bread, anything that needs cutting on your kitchen counter. It offers both precision and strength with its proprietary 14-degree SelectEdge blade for maximum precision. Its stainless steel, serrated blade speaks of durability and enduring strength. Its smoother and sharper edge can easily slice through those ribeyes.

The Benchmade Table Knife is “precise enough for prep and tough enough to cut through game.” It definitely deserves its place on your table, wherever that table is. It is also wear-resistant so you can surely store it and keep it as a family heirloom of sorts.

Speaking of storage, this knife comes in a handcrafted red birch box for streamlined and elegant safekeeping. The box adds a touch of elegance to a counter or table.

The Benchmade Table Knife sits nicely in the hands as it is not too big and not too small. It weighs 3.19 ounces and provides a good grip with its slim handle at just 0.59 inches.

Moreover, the Benchmade Table Knife has a blade that is just at the right thickness of 0.090 inches and a length of 5.13 inches. The G10 handle is at par on its strength and durability with the stainless steel blade. It can handle heavy use in both wet and dry conditions.

Get It Here

Images courtesy of Benchmade

Wield the W&P Mini Lightsaber Spatula Like A Jedi Would

The “Star Wars” geek in some (all) of us would not hesitate to purchase this W&P mini lightsaber spatula set. It comes in a set of black and white colors with handles that pay homage to the cult classic Jedi weapon.

“Star Wars” remains a great conversation piece and marketing merchandise decades after George Lucas told the story of the Galaxy Far Far Away. You will certainly find the film franchise in mostly anything and everything from Star Wars-inspired shoes, ready to wear apparel, and toys. They are even in household or kitchen items just like W&P’s lightsaber spatula.

The company caters to the geek in every one of us and its “Star Wars” products are a collector’s item. You don’t necessarily have to use them if you don’t feel like it. They have silicone baking molds in the shape of the Death Star and the lightsaber. They also have a cookie-cutter set that includes the faces of Yoda, Darth Vader, C3PO, and a Stormtrooper. The mini lightsaber spatula set relieves the ultimate battle for the galaxy between the Resistance and the First Order with its unique carved handles.

These spatulas are made from silicone and steel and are dishwasher safe. They are versatile so you can use them for baking, cooking, and more. They have a nonstick surface and are both FDA and LFGB approved safe on food items. They are also practically lightweight at just 3.66 ounces. This makes the handling comfortable since you don’t feel like you’re actually carrying a weapon in your hand.

Get It Here

Images courtesy of W&P Store

Get Crunchy and Soft Toast Every Time With The Revolution R180 Toaster

The Revolution R180 Toaster takes toasting bread, bagels, muffins, and more to the next level. It ensures consistent toast every time with its seven-stage browning technology.

This two-slice toaster uses InstaGLO heating system instead of the heating coils found in traditional toasters. The system allows the machine to reach its full glow in two seconds to render bread with a cookie-like texture: crisp/crunchy outside and soft inside. It lets you choose your desired toastyness from a preset of 63 toastyness levels. A simple tap is all it takes from the smart touchscreen to choose from the three toasting settings: fresh, frozen, reheat.

The Revolution R180 Toaster lets you choose which food you want to toast. You have an option of bread, bagel, English muffins, waffles, and toaster pastries. It uses algorithms to calculate the optimal toast time based on the food you chose. You can check the desired browning level once you press start, the machine automatically lowers your food and the toasting countdown begins. Once done, your food pops up as with traditional toasters.

You can adjust the brightness in the screen display and customize the volume level for the alert signal when toasting is completed. It also has a removable crumb tray and a clean crumb tray reminder. It features an analog or digital clock and date display.

The Revolution R180 Toaster is a sleek and elegant addition to your kitchen countertop with its brushed stainless steel finish. It doesn’t take up much space too at a size of 11.6” L x 6.1” W x 8.4”. Despite its construction and features, it is also lightweight at just 6.4 pounds.

Get It Here

Images courtesy of Revolution Cooking

Best Manly Cocktails From Crystal Mixer

No party does not have a few drinks passed along among guests. After all, there’s nothing like having good food, music, and the essential spirits to complete the mood. But not just any and all drinks. You have to choose those that fit the occasion as not to chase your guests away. Beers are common but if you want to add a little bit of sophistication, then go for cocktails.

Cocktails are great party-goers, in a sense, because they easily adapt to the environment. You can shake up something mild and sweet for the ladies and definitely the strong ones for the gentlemen.

Regardless of preference, there is always the temptation to turn to the timeless classics— the margarita, martini, Manhattan, and the Old Fashioned. These are comfort food for the barflies and who can blame them. These are not over-the-top cocktails and their flavors never cease to satisfy. Their concoctions are fairly self-explanatory and easy to find.

Of course, the introduction of the classics leads to the birth of mixology. More flavors come out as time progresses and people adapt to modern taste. People turn to inventions to create their very own cocktails that would surprise and satiate just about any palate.

But when it comes to men, the alcohol content is a big factor and fruity cocktails can be a turn-off. You don’t want to be caught with your hand around a glass of piña colada or daiquiri. Even women try to avoid them if the martini or the margarita is an option. If you don’t want to turn in your man card then you better stay away from the sweet and colored cocktails. Crystal Mixer has a list of the best manly cocktails you can try on your next bar hop or if you’re feeling adventurous, you yourself can shake and roll at home.

The Bitter the Better

Men like their cocktails with just a hint of sweetness but more of the bitterness that comes from the alcohol. The bitter the better they taste. Crystal Mixer simplifies the ingredients and directions on some of your favorite bitter cocktails without sacrificing texture, flavor, and aroma. They are easy to make but tastes just as divine as the complicated Martini and Manhattan.

A Negroni can become a three-ingredient-three-step process involving gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari bitters. The Whiskey Manhattan and the Whiskey Sour may not be the baddest of drinks but they sure can add some bass to your tone after a few rounds.

A Rusty Nail cocktail, the Vesper, the Godfather, Dark ‘n Stormy, Boilermaker, Tom Collins, and the quintessential Jack and Coke are just some of the cocktails that manly men drink.

The Classics

You can never go wrong with the classics — those that give you nods of approval for ordering such a manly cocktail. Such is the case with the Old Fashioned, with a taste that turns you into a distinguished man as long as you can keep the alcohol down that is.

Then you have the martini, which as James Bond prefers it, “shaken, not stirred.” This cocktail adds a touch of class and maturity to any drinker.

No matter how you like your cocktails made and how strong you like the taste, it is always important to remember some rules when it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages. Pacing is a must. Slow and steady as they say. Also, know what you’re drinking. Just because you want to show some muscle at the bar doesn’t mean you have to chug down whatever mixes you get your hands on.

Check it out here

If you would like your product reviewed and featured on Men’s Gear as well as its vast social media channels, e-mail Joe@mensgear.net

5 Types of Grills to Choose for Outdoor Cooking

There is nothing better than a sizzling smell of freshly grilled food. And if you love to cook outside, then you need to get the perfect outdoor grill. The fantastic thing about getting a grill is that you can use it in your backyard. Likewise, it can grill tasty and fresh dishes no matter what time it is.

With various types of outdoor grills available in the market, it can be confusing to choose a specific type. So, to help you understand better, we have listed the most five most common types of grills that you can get for outdoor cooking. This guide will help can select which is the most suitable for you and your family.

Charcoal-Gas Hybrid Grills

This type of grill is an ideal choice for outdoor cooking as it gives food a robust taste that you get from a charcoal grill and is easy to use much like a gas variant. This hybrid is the perfect duet which allows you to enjoy the best smoky flavor, a quick heat-up, and cooking consistency.

This can even let you cook with both methods simultaneously. You can quickly cook burgers or steaks on the charcoal side, and you can simultaneously control the temperature for vegetables and fish on the gas side. So, if you love to cut cooking time in half and savor the authentic grilled goodness, then it is the right choice for you.

Gas Grills

These are the most popular and commercialized type of backyard grills. These gas grills normally use natural gas or propane gas, which offer remarkable convenience and speed that is preferred by many people nowadays.

One of the advantages of gas grills is that they heat up very quickly, which allows you to cook effortlessly. Gas grills are perfect for cooking any kind of meat, fish, vegetable, or poultry, making it ideal for a family to get together for any occasion.

So, if you love to prepare meals and eat them quickly, then it is the best choice for you. You can also easily regulate the heat by using the temperature control knobs. Plus, it’s very easy to clean, which makes it even more convenient to use.

Charcoal Grills

These are the most recognizable and classic type there is. The cooking method is tough to beat as it imparts an authentic flavor to the ingredients that are cooked using charcoal.

However, it takes a little time to get heat up. Moreover, maybe your hands will also get dirty from the charcoal used to cook your dishes. Ultimately, it is ideal for more seasoned grillers.

To get started, you will need good store-bought charcoal, a lighter fluid, and a light source to provide a smoky flavor. It may be difficult to clean compared to other types.

If you want to enjoy a sizzling, smoky, and authentic taste of grilled food, then it is the perfect platform for you. Just be aware of the longer time it takes to cook the food.

Electric Grills

Nowadays, there are many amazing outdoor electric grills available in the market, which can quickly cook meat and vegetables perfectly. These are ideal for those who live in an area where gas or charcoal grills are not allowed due to fire codes. Along with this, it is very easy to operate and requires minimum maintenance.

It does not take time to heat up because you just need to plug it in a power source and it’s ready to use. Usually, these are more affordable, and you can also use them inside the house, but the main problem is that may not experience the distinct taste and flavor you will get from charcoal grills.

So, if you want to make it hassle-free to grill food wherever and whenever you want, then you can go for an electric model instead.

Portable Grills

These are the cute mini grills which allow you to take them anywhere you want, whether it’s camping or parties. They have a very compact design and are also the most popular option for those who love to travel.

There are different types of portable grills depending upon the fuel used like propane and charcoal. The former uses propane gas cans while the latter uses the material of its namesake to cook food.

 Conclusion

So in this article, we covered five different types of grills that you can choose for outdoor cooking. All of these are suitable for cooking outdoors. Furthermore, it gives ingredients a fresh sizzling aroma as well as an amazing taste. Whichever of these five options suit you the most, just choose and enjoy cooking and eating.