Beginning chefs and professionals alike all want accurate measurements in the kitchen. And while measuring cups and spoons can get you by in some instance, others require serious precision.

Home kitchen scales are a way to provide that sort of accuracy. But, with so many options available, it’s hard to know which one to choose.

This article will give reviews for three of the top-selling kitchen scales to help you in the decision process.

As these 3 scales are the top-selling scales sold on Amazon, you really can’t go wrong with any of them.   But we’ll break them down for you so you can make the best decision for you.

So What Is The Best Food Scale?  Let’s find out…

The EatSmart Precision Pro Scale

Pros

The EatSmart Precision Pro scale is an easy to use scale that you’ll be able to use every day. One big advantage is how easy it is to use the main functions of the scale. The Precision Pro is an accurate scale, precise to .05 ounce / 1 gram increments, making this perfect for even the most specific weighing.

Also, for the price, this scale is a phenomenal value.

Cons

However, the scale’s buttons are not sealed, meaning that spills lead directly to the electrical components. Also, the scale’s metal plate is only 5inches in diameter, meaning that larger measuring jobs might not fit on the scale.

The biggest concern, though, is the quality of construction. Many users complained that the scale felt a bit cheap or flimsy.

Escali Primo Digital Multifunctional Scale

Pros

Escali Primo Digital Multifunctional Scale is another cost friendly scale that comes in eleven different colors. With the same 11-pound load capacity as the EatSmart, this unit features a spill proof design with 0.1 ounces or 1 gram kilograms precision.

This product also garnered the 2005 Cooking Club of America Kitchen Tested Seal of Approval.

Cons

The scale does come with its setbacks. Customers have listed its quality as the biggest concern. Many users have had the plastic latch to the battery cover break off, leaving those important components exposed.

Also, the unit is made of plastic which many of the Amazon reviewers make a point of discussing..

The OXO Good Grips Stainless Food Scale

Pros

The most expensive of all the scales, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Food Scale also has the highest quality, having consistent accuracy and good durability. The pull-out display and back light make this scale one of the most feature-rich products on the market.

The main functionality for this is your display won’t be shadowed by large bowls or plates that overhang and obstruct the viewing of other scales.

Cons

A big hang up, though, is the auto-off feature.  Customers have complained that the scale will erase weights when the auto-off feature kicks in, leaving them having to write each weight down. Also, some users have found the scale to be inconsistent with its accuracy and its ability to tare weights.

Who Uses Kitchen Scales?

Kitchen scales may seem like a luxury item, but they can easily become a necessity in the kitchen. For beginning cooks, these scales will give additional control over your cooking and mixing. This means that recipes will be consistent each and every time you make them.

For the advanced cooks, complex cooking and baking calls for precise proportions that measuring cups just can’t deliver. And for those looking for even more versatility, any kitchen scale can be used to weigh mail or other items in the office.

Best Product for the Money: OXO Good Grips Scale

Overall, the OXO Good Grips scale is the best product for the price. You might find yourself drawn to one of the less expensive scales, but the combination of construction and accuracy make it worth the extra investment. Plus, the pull-out display is an extra feature worth the money.

If you’re looking to make an upgrade to your kitchen, then any one of these kitchen scales is for you.

Forged and Stamped Cutlery

What Are The Differences?

Forged and stamped kitchen knives have both their own advantages and disadvantages.  It usually takes an expert to be able to differentiate forged from stamped cutlery based just on pictures.  This article will discuss the differences between the two kinds of cutlery.

Forged Knives: A Quick Note On Hot-Drop Forging & Modern Forging

Hot-drop forging is the old-fashioned technique of forging.  This process is similar to what you might see in movies, when a blacksmith pulls a sword from a blazing furnace and uses a hammer to beat it into shape.  The beginning piece of metal, the raw material, is in a rough way shaped like a knife already and is very “old” looking.  The crucial part of forging involves shaping and smashing the hot steel as this builds and strengthens the metal by “forging” the molecules into a useful shape.  One characteristic of forged knives is their unequaled strength.

It is rare to find hot-drop forged cutlery these days, however.

Modern forging is very similar except the raw material that begins the process is just a rectangular piece of metal and is hammered with machines.  From this rectangular piece, a piece is cut in the shape of the knife.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Forged Knives

The first advantage is that the steel is made stronger by forging.  The blade is made less flexible, though, due to the forging process which compresses the molecules together.   This does however make the knives keep their edge alot longer as a result of the increase strength and hardness.

A bolster is created for each knife during the forging process.  The mound of metal between the blade and the handle is the bolster.  This provides hand protection and offers a safe location for the fingers to rest during the use of the knife.  A bolster is one identification mark of a forged knife. One can be certain that a bolster signifies a forged knife.

The lower flexibility of forged cutlery makes it easier sharpen them.  There will be no problems when you hold it the blade firmly against a sharpening steel because the blade does not twist.  However, this characteristic makes it a drawback for when one needs a super flexible knife to fillet fish.

There are really no too many drawbacks of forged cutlery.  One of these is the expensive price scale that this has though.  However, buying forged knives are definitely worth the investment as they will last for a longer period of time.  Check out the Wusthof Classic knives to see an example of a great set of forged knives.

How Stamped Knives Are Made

Large, continuous sheets of stainless steel are used to make stamped knives.  This process works by cutting piece of the sheets of steel in the shape of a knife, just like when you use a cookie-cutter.   The knife finished by adding a handle and then sharpened and polished.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Stamped Knives

Stamped cutlery does not have the glorious reputation of forged cutlery.  Chefs and cooks almost always prefer the latter than the former.  However, despite this wide opinion, stamped knives have their own benefits.

Stamped cutlery is cheaper compared to forged cutlery.  This fits best for people who do not want to spend alot of cutlery or do not have the budget for it, yet still want a good set of knives.  The same kind of steel is used with stamped cutlery.  So if do cook alot and need quite a few different knives for different jobs, stamped is a great option if your budget is lower.

The first disadvantage with stamped knives is that they do not have the strength that forged knives have because they have not undergone the forging process.  They are much more flexible and do not last as long as forged.

Stamped knives also do not have bolster.  Bolsters are one thing that you can use to distinguish forged knives from stamped knives, although there are some forged knives (like some Japanese knives) that do not have bolsters.  It is easier to cut yourself when you handle a knife that doesn’t have a bolster, but there are quite a few people that actually prefer knives without bolsters.

Personally, I don’t care either way.  I have knives with a bolster and some without and I don’t have a preference.

The flexibility of stamped knives makes sharpening on a whetstone very difficult.  It can be done but it requires more skill.  An electric sharpener however works great when it is used with either forged or stamped knives.

Stamped knives certainly have their use and potential, especially if you prefer a flexible boning knife or you are on a budget.  There are plenty of good quality knives you can purchase that are stamped that you will be very happy with, like the Wusfhof Gourmet knives for example.

Conclusion

Forged knives and stamped knives can be differentiated generally by the presence of a bolster.  Forged knives have a bolster while stamped knives do not.  Forged knives are generally more dependable as they are stronger and easier to sharpen.

Stamped knives are cheaper compared to forged knives, and they work best when an electric sharpener is used for sharpening.

That’s pretty much all there is for the most part.  There are plenty of reasons to choose either type.  Just make sure whatever you choose that it is from a reputable company.

KitchenAid Gourmet Distinctions 16.5-Inch
Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Rack

KitchenAid’s Gourmet Distinction line is one of the most well designed, durable cookware lines on the market today. KitchenAid appliances combine classic designs with top of the line manufacturing and strong materials. KitchenAid’s line of functional yet stylish roasters, in particular, make it one of the most solid cookware choices out there.

If you’re in the market for a roasting pan, then KitchenAid’s Gourmet Distinctions Roaster might be the perfect fit. KitchenAid’s roasting pans come equipped with a list of impressive features to help you get the perfectly-cooked roast you want. Plus, you’ll get the quality guarantee that comes with all KitchenAid cookware products.

Help My Kitchen received an email from a reader who asked me to research this particular roasting pan to add to the site.  I have no problem with this of course, and I recommend any of my readers to do the same!  Thanks Maribel for your request

Product Description

The KitchenAid Gourmet Distinctions Roasting Pan with Rack is specially built for roasts and poultry cooking of all types. A roaster is an essential and versatile piece of cookware for any household; they can complete any holiday celebration, family dinner, or get-together you have in mind.

These roasters can handle both large and small meals and can cook everything from small pork roasts to Thanksgiving turkeys. While regular pans can cook meat unevenly, ruining meals, roasting pans ensure that meat is cooked fully, however large or small it may be.

Roasting pans also allow you to be more creative with your cooking. Instead of cooking just your roast, roasting pans allow you to surround your roast with any vegetables you think could use some extra roasting flavor. And, by lifting the roast out of the pan, you can avoid soaking your roast in unnecessary oils and fats.

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Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System Review

I found out about this particular coffee maker when a friend of mine received it as a gift.  I watched her used it and thought to myself “now there is a great idea!”.  Then suddenly everyone I knew had one!  So I had to do my research and find out what the big deal was!  And thus I bring you that research here on Help My Kitchen!

Most people are fond of drinking coffee, tea, & hot cocoa.  While I’m not a big coffee drinker, I do like to have an occasional cup of tea as well as hot cocoa on those cold winter evenings.  And I do like to be able to offer guests to my house a delicious cup of coffee.  However, brewing these wonderful drinks can be time-consuming and alot of times you don’t want to brew a whole pot!  The answer to this is to buy a coffee pot maker that brews in a shorter amount of time and exactly the amount you want.

Out of all the home brewing systems available in the market, the Keurig B60 Special Edition gourmet single cup home brewing system is the most popular one cup coffee maker that is out on the market.  At least, for me it is…and you’ll find out why as you keep reading

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Pyrex Glass 17 pc Bake, Store & Serve Set With Lids

Every chef knows that good ingredients are only half of the recipe. Having the right tools can mean the difference between an outstanding finished product and an amateur dish. Durable bakeware is an essential part of any kitchen. No chef should be without a good set of quality pans, measuring tools, and mixing bowls. Pyrex has been making quality bakeware and mixing bowls for years now, which makes them a strong addition to any kitchen.  Including mine!

I love the fact that Pyrex has so many different sets and pieces to choose from in their collection. 

This article will discuss a set I love that has a nice mix of pans and bowls, as well as a few nice extras too.

Product Details

The Pyrex 17 pc Bake, Store, & Serve Set includes 17 pieces of solid cookware. In the set you’ll find three pans with lids (6 pieces total), four bowls with lids (8 pieces total), one loaf pan, one pie pan, and one liquid measuring cup. Each part of the set is microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and oven safe. This set is also perfect for freezing leftovers and other meals.

Pyrex cookware is also BPA free, meaning that it is free of potentially harmful chemicals, which is important in any piece of cookware and one of the reasons why I and many other cooks love Pyrex. The set also comes with matching lids, making it the perfect set for storing food items after you’ve made them. Not only is the set perfect for creating, but it is also ideal for sharing and storing at the end of the day.

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KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers

Do you have one of these yet?  If not, I’m not sure what you are waiting for!  This is THE product to have for any aspiring chef or pretty much anyone that loves to cook!  This product is probably one of the most popular wedding presents in history too!  I got one for my niece when she got married, and I also gave one to my cousin when he got married too!

The KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Mixer comes from a long line of trusted KitchenAid mixers and other appliances. A substantial piece of equipment, this mixer is designed to handle a variety of jobs with a variety of attachments, speeds, and abilities. So, whether trying to whip a single egg or put together a gourmet meal for a party, no project is too big or too small for the Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer.

KitchenAid Artisan 5 Quart Stand Mixer
A “Must-Have” For Your Kitchen

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Fat Daddios 7 Piece Professional Baking Set
Great For Home Bakers!

Now I’ve never been much of a baker.  In fact, I have to admit that alot of the time I used to just buy the mixes from the supermarket because I don’t have the time to bake from scratch.  I know, it’s terrible!

But recently I have really gotten into baking, as I like to bring cakes and pies to friends and family when I visit them.  It really brings a smile to their face which is always nice to see.  So when I did begin to bake more, I looked around for some good quality stuff at a reasonable price, and ran into Fat Daddios bakeware.

So why did I buy Fat Daddio’s bakeware and baking pans?

It’s funny because I never actually heard of this company, but when I read the customer reviews online and on Amazon, I decided to give it a shot.  I’m glad I did because the stuff is great and didn’t cost a fortune.  Besides the awesome Amazon reviews, there were a bunch of reasons why I went with this set.  Here is the information on this product that I found through my research before I bought it …maybe you’ll decide to give it a try too.  At the very least, I will have saved you time researching this product.  So fire up your Keurig with your favorite roast and check out my review

Fat Daddio’s has been making quality cookware and bakeware since the 1960s. Their catalog boasts a long list of just about everything a baker needs, from bread pans, to cookie cutters, to muffin pans, to cookie sheets. They specialize in commercial grade baking equipment, taking them a step above your average store-bought pots and pans.

Cooks looking for the best in bakeware should consider Fat Daddio’s 7-piece Professional Baking Set. A cut above ordinary baking sets, Fat Daddio’s are designed to be used by only the professionals. This means that you’ll be able to get quality cookware and a perfectly finished product.

Not only will you be able to make the bread or cake you want, you’ll be able to rely on the product for as long as your own it. Fat Daddio’s are constructed to last a lifetime, making for years of great food. Read the rest of this entry

Cuisinart MultiClad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan

A quality roasting pan is an essential piece of equipment looking to have a complete kitchen. Roasting pans come in all shapes and sizes, but not all of them are quality products. Cuisinart has been making pots, pans, and other cookware for decades, and has proven itself a leader in quality and design. If you’re in the market for a roasting pan, then consider the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless 16 inch Rectangular Roaster with Nonstick Rack.

This Cuisinart roasting pan comes equipped with everything you’ll need in a proper roasting pan, backed by the same quality guarantee that comes with every Cuisinart product.

Cuisinart MultiClad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan

Product Description

The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless 16 inch roasting pan is a pan specifically built for household roasting. It is an essential piece of cookware for parties, family dinners, and holiday celebrations. This sort of pan is designed to handle both large and small cooking jobs, and can hold everything from Thanksgiving turkeys, to chickens, to other large and small roasts. Roasting pans are specially designed to circulate heat as they cook, creating a more even temperature and a more thoroughly cooked roast.

Roasting pans also allow for more elaborate roasts. While other pans may only hold roasts, roasting pans are able to hold roasts as well as vegetables and sauces to bring your roast’s flavor out perfectly.

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Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

The Le Creuset enameled cast iron ovens and casserole pieces have been specifically designed taking into account the flavors and technicalities involved in the cooking of a great casserole dish (or pretty much any dish!) and have been manufactured by the famous French brand, Le Creuset.

If you are looking for enameled cast iron cookware, then you absolutely need to review the Le Creuset enameled cast iron 5-quart Dutch oven as well as the smaller cousin, the 3.5 quart Dutch oven (also referred to as a braiser sometimes).  After looking at quite a few products, these rate very high among both novices and experts in the kitchen.  These products are actually a kind of cross between a dutch oven and a skillet, making it very versatile for a variety of cooking techniques.

I flat out LOVE this dutch oven!  I use it in my own kitchen at least once a week.  And I challenge ANYONE who uses it to tell me they don’t love it!

Click the image to get a closer look!

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Why Use Enameled Cast Iron Cookware?

I just want to discuss real quick why cast iron is truly awesome for your kitchen, so if you know this already you can skip down to the next section

Firstly, it’s really a perfect conductor of heat.  Cast iron heats very evenly and very consistent throughout the whole piece.  If you ever used “cheap” cookware, you know that it can be difficult to cook properly if there are “hot spots” to your cookware or spots on the cookware that just don’t get very hot.

Normally the products are very high-quality and they last a lifetime!  They can even last many lifetimes if taken care of properly.

Cast iron is also naturally ‘non-stick’.  However, these beautiful pots are enameled so they are completely rust-proof and much easier to clean.  Yet they keep all the wonderful qualities of cast iron!

They heat slow and cook nice and slow too, locking in the heat.

Features of Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

It’s a 5-quart dutch oven & made of enameled cast iron.  If you want to buy only one enameled cast iron piece from Le Creuset I would recommend the 5-quart.

It has the most all-around uses.  It’s also available in 3.5 quart and also a 7 and 1/4 quart French Oven.

Handles on the side that help easily carrying around the kitchen, and right from the oven or stove-top to the table

Lid fits very securely on the dish and has a phenolic knob.  Because the lid fits so well, it does an amazing job of locking in heat as well as moisture.

It can be put in the dishwasher but hand washing is recommended.

Safe to be in the oven for up to 350 degrees F

Measurements are about 13″ by 16″ by 6″

Very easy to care for because you can in fact use the dishwasher for it, but most cooks will let it soak for a bit and the food should come off easily.

Able to go right from oven for cooking, to stove top for settling and cooling, and then table for serving.

Featured many times by Giada De Laurnetis and her cooking show on the Food Network.

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Calphalon Contemporary Stainless
16-Inch Roasting Pan Review

Cooking is both a gratifying and fun experience for most people.  I mean, it’s what got me to start Help My Kitchen!  People who prepare food for their family, guests, and loved ones enjoy the cooking process and serving the meals they have prepared.  Thus, these cooks require the best cookware and cooking tools needed to make the cooking process a more enjoyable one.  The Calphalon roasting pans are the best fit for cooks who need to have this great experience.

Having a large, durable roaster in your kitchen becomes a necessity for every person who enjoys cooking.  Whether it’s for a roast for the family or a large turkey for a huge gathering, having the best roaster for your money is invaluable for your kitchen.

I have to admit it took me a long time to actually spend more than a few bucks on a roaster.  I figured I didn’t use it that much, so why should I spend money on it?  Well, I’m glad I finally invested in a great roaster because it really makes a HUGE difference.  And believe it or not, it will save you money in the long-run because a good roaster will last forever!

This review will discuss why I think you should utilize the Calphalon LRS1805P Contemporary Stainless 16-Inch Roasting Pan for this purpose, and make your entire roasting experience not only easy but also very effective and affordable.  There are varying reasons why this roasting pan is considered to be one of the most highly trusted roasting pans among different users, and my review will elaborate each one.

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless 16-Inch Roasting Pan Review

Calphalon Roasting Pan Construction

The Calphalon Roasting Pan is a 16-inch roaster made of stainless steel and includes a nonstick roasting rack. A 3-ply stainless steel layer comprises this pan, and it has superior conductivity because of the aluminum used at its core.  It features a nonstick coating roasting rack that is V-shaped.

What Makes This Calphalon Roasting Pan Different from Others

Like I said, this Calphalon roasting pan boasts a 16 inch roaster size.   This size is good for cooking every type of large meat, including those huge 18-20 pound turkeys for Thanksgiving.  It is practical for cooking other kinds of meats and meals as well. Good roasters should have at least 4 inch high sides to be able to handle all the juices that spray, and the Calphalon roasting pan fulfills this. There are also sturdy handles that stay cool for easy transport of a heavy loaded roaster.

Since the Calphalon roasting pan consists of a 3-ply stainless steel, it has a heavier, encapsulated base that can result in better performance. This roasting pan consists of 18/10 stainless steel layers that can give the owner a lifetime of a roasting in a rust-free pan.  This also makes the roasting pan easier to clean, and it’s high stainless quality makes it less problematic to staining.

Because it is so durable and made with multiple steel layers as well as a full-aluminum core, this pan can be used on the burners/stove top in order to deglaze and use the drippings to make a fabulous sauce.  This is not something you can do with alot of the cheaper pans out there.  This ability to use the pan on the burner to make sauces is really why I loved getting a good roasting pan!  With the cheap ones I bought before this was impossible.

The roasting rack has been designed in a V shape to ensure easy of use, and has a nonstick coating which makes it very easy for cleaning.  The roaster rack is a part of the ‘Contemporary Stainless Line’ by Calphalon.  The non stick rack can be easily lifted up for the transportation of your food after it has been cooked and roasted.

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