Curry Recipes Online
Curry Chat => Talk About Anything Other Than Curry => Topic started by: RobinB on August 28, 2014, 11:36 PM
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Never been a big lover of gadgets and gizmos in the kitchen, and prefer to get by on a good set of knives and pans for most tasks. However I've acquired a small collection over the years, mainly gifts from friends and relatives who know I cook, and think my life is somehow incomplete without a cherry stoner or a sushi mat. That said, many are undoubtedly useful and i've got a lot of time for my potato ricer, microplane grater, and most recently a salad spinner and use them all regularly.
Anyone else have a favourite gadget in the kitchen they wouldn't be without?
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My Kenwood Major; life without it would just not be worth living. Second place goes to my lassi maker, and 3rd place to my AnySharp.
** Phil.
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Good choice, those Kenwoods are built to last.
Meant to include the mini chopper that clips on my stick blender, love that to bits. Oh and my James martin spice grinder, even if it is a bitch to clean.
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Favourite gadget is my bamix hand held blender, it was a gift from the wife and the best gift ever! Think I use it every day 8)
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My favourite gadget is whoever cleans the kitchen after I've finished cooking! ;)
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My favourite gadget is whoever cleans the kitchen after I've finished cooking! ;)
You beat me to it, I was going to say the OH.
London.
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Probably one of my 2 rice cookers which working out when I got them are nearly 30 years old (and showing it) but have gave sterling service.
I also like cheap implements that do the job perfectly so my curry pan, my 1 euro veg peeler or stove top espresso (the original aluminium type) could also be one of the favourites.
List could change tomorrow.
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or stove top espresso (the original aluminium type) ...
Would that last be a Moka Express ? I used one of those in my youth, but could never keep it clean, so abandoned it, went with a Cona (all glass, so simple to keep clean), then had to abandon that when the Cona 500W coil heater started tripping the RCD (no longer made, so v. expensive to replace) and now use a ceramic cone with bulk-purchase filter papers for daily filter coffee, a Krups Espresso for espresso, and a Armenian Ibrik/Brikki for Greek/Turkish.
** Phil.
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Anyone else have a favourite gadget in the kitchen they wouldn't be without?
Favourite kitchen gadgets include pestle and mortar, liquidiser, hand blender, burr grinder and potato ricer. But love my electric chapati maker and also one of these little things which I've had for almost 30 years. (http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/b0b7d4908487f6fd0086bbc44c9cce2e.jpg) a porcelain ginger grater. :)
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love my electric chapati maker and also... a porcelain ginger grater
Tell me more about your electric chapati maker, Frank; sounds interesting. And does the fact that your ginger grater is porcelain mean that it is more likely to grate ginger, and less likely to grate finger tips, than its modern stainless steel equivalent ?
** Phil.
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I've found the oxo good grips range is pretty decent too. Got a brilliant whisk I picked up from Rick Steins cookshop in Padstow, and also a mandolin and a gravy/fat separator.
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love my electric chapati maker and also... a porcelain ginger grater
Tell me more about your electric chapati maker, Frank; sounds interesting. And does the fact that your ginger grater is porcelain mean that it is more likely to grate ginger, and less likely to grate finger tips, than its modern stainless steel equivalent ?
** Phil.
The chapati maker is a great addition to the kitchen. No mess with flour on the floor and no rolling out required. Just ball them up and rest for 30 mins before flattening a little by hand and cooking. Took a while to get the dough right because the hotplates can act like those table air hockey arcade games and shoot the balls out when pressed down. ;D
And elephant atta is pretty poor flour to work with. I must've gone through 50-60kg before I realised that. ::)(Cannae resist a bargain ;) )
They do taste a little different to a rolled out chapati though because of the additional flour needed for rolling. I actually prefer a flour chap (as I call them) but for convenience, I can't fault the electric.
As for the ginger grater, I wouldn't be without it. Not once have I broken skin.
Can be used for just the pulp and juice leaving the fibre behind or, with a gentle scrape with the point of the knife in between the rows of spikes, then a quick slap upside down onto the chopping board, everything falls off.
Needing only a rinse under the tap. :)
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Just been looking at the chapati makers online, would it cook a naan?
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Just been looking at the chapati makers online, would it cook a naan?
Ive used it to press out chapatis/parathas then straight onto a tawa to cook. But not tried to cook naan with it yet Robin, can't see why not though.
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For the all round chef the Thermapen digital food thermometer is a must
It takes all the guess work out of cooking meats to your personal tastes (medium rare for me :) )
I also love the Anysharp
A mandolin now and again
And to trump you all my Thermomomix 8) ;D sorry
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cheap latte coffee machine
Thing I miss is a garlic crusher
Infra red thermometer must for pizza and useful generally.
Mini scales ~100g are not bad
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Would that last be a Moka Express ?
It is and as I'm the only coffee drinker in the house, the gaggia is now pushed to the back of the cupboard in favour of the little pot.
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You sh@t the bed Gav I ? Some people browse the forums really early
I don't really have many gadgets, but my favourite/most used must be hand blender. Closely followed by pestle and mortar(not really a gadget) but love it regardless
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:( :( How did you know. ;D
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You sh@t the bed Gav I ? Some people browse the forums really early
And thats just the sort of BS that people talk BS about in another place that's got a few BS's in it or should that be on it.
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Haha true, very true ;)
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I don't really have many gadgets, but my favourite/most used must be hand blender. Closely followed by pestle and mortar(not really a gadget) but love it regardless
Thats probably the best way , keeping it simple as most of us probably have stuff we don't really need. Places that sell solutions to problems you never knew you had get me, for example Lakeland Plastics (or Lakeland as its know now). Whats all this about?
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/18921/Lakeland-Egg-Cooker (http://www.lakeland.co.uk/18921/Lakeland-Egg-Cooker)
or this
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/18788/Boiled-Egg-Topper (http://www.lakeland.co.uk/18788/Boiled-Egg-Topper)
and these get nearly 5 stars
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/14236/Magnetic-Toast-Tongs (http://www.lakeland.co.uk/14236/Magnetic-Toast-Tongs)
Perhaps a ' My Most Useless Kitchen Gadget' thread would be fun although it would require a bit owning up as I'm sure we've all bought some complete turkey's.
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Excellent products there Gav, do they deliver?
Dont get magnetic toast tongs, unless the bread has added iron
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Dont get magnetic toast tongs, unless the bread has added iron
They don't stick to the side of my plastic toaster but at nearly
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Im going to do all my Xmas shopping for relatives on there, next year they may suggest not buying each other this year!! ;) result
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I do like these though , banana slicer (http://www.yesstyle.co.uk/en/info.html/pid.1035939102?gclid=CjwKEAjwyYCgBRCMmbWl5beV_RQSJABESqHA-jmiK6pi4S5xkInVm6nwU1gRti32w_7AW9L_Wb5UrhoCzCPw_wcB), Fork (http://www.lakeland.co.uk/43769/Pink-Spinning-Spaghetti-Fork?src=gfeed&s_kwcid=AL!49!3!54933102869!!!g!52389190072!&ef_id=U@8NEAAABKhNitnJ:20140830065511:s) :o
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I do like these though , banana slicer (http://www.yesstyle.co.uk/en/info.html/pid.1035939102?gclid=CjwKEAjwyYCgBRCMmbWl5beV_RQSJABESqHA-jmiK6pi4S5xkInVm6nwU1gRti32w_7AW9L_Wb5UrhoCzCPw_wcB), Fork (http://www.lakeland.co.uk/43769/Pink-Spinning-Spaghetti-Fork?src=gfeed&s_kwcid=AL!49!3!54933102869!!!g!52389190072!&ef_id=U@8NEAAABKhNitnJ:20140830065511:s) :o
The banana slicer is a great idea and the fact that you get 5 would be really handy.
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Bonus , never saw it was a pack of 5! Theres 5 family members Xmas presents sorted :)
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Most useless kitchen gadget? My wife would probably say me......
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Most useless kitchen gadget? My wife would probably say me......
Yep she does..... 8)
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The door ;D
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My cooker is quite useful, as is my kettle ;)
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I suppose another one of my kitchens favourite gadgets would be the bin.
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I suppose another one of my kitchens favourite gadgets would be the bin.
Shouldnt that read "most used" in place of "favourite" ;)
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I've got 2 dogs that take care of the mistakes ;D
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RSPCA will be informed
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I suppose another one of my kitchens favourite gadgets would be the bin.
Good for baked Alaska's!
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Getting back to the original thread before some idiot took it off topic slightly with stuff from Lakeland, I also love my Le Creuset 24cm shallow and 26cm deep toughened non-stick frying pans. They've had constant everyday use and still perform brilliantly. As I've said before sometime, the quality remains long after the price is forgotten. :)
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Yes, but how do you explain to your mates why you have biceps like a weight-lifter but thighs like an anorexic ?!
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Agreed Phil, I'm starting to think I'm married to Rambo ;D got to get rid of them pots and pans! My wife can arm wrestle the hulk.
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Thats the trouble with most people on here, stuck in a time warp. 70's curries, Le Cruset = cast iron stone age pans sand casted by cavemen, etc etc ::)
'These shallow frying pans are crafted from high-quality hard anodised forged aluminium, and toughened inside and out with a superior non-stick coating. They also feature hollow, cast stainless steel handles which stay cooler when the pan is on the hob. '
Even wor lass can quite easily swing the big one at my head faster than one of Roger Federers' serves.
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my genuine "bought from a takeaway" curry pan
I cook all my curries in it
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Im on the look out for a new pan, any recommendations anyone?
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Very nice top notch pan that Haldi - well chuffed for you
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Hi
MA. I don't know where you live maybe I'm just lucky living in Noth Staffs. Just go to your local Asian whole salers or grocers or even the hard ware shop and you will be falling over the damned things.
Regards
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Hi commis ,I live in Hull, I have tried , they used to sell them years ago but unfortunately they no longer do, but there are other shops to try, was wondering if there were any online recommended to buy from?
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Im on the look out for a new pan, any recommendations anyone?
I use a Circulon wok for all my curries and pretty happy with it until I saw Atul Kotchar cooking with a neat little pan on telly the other day. Looked perfect for BIR cooking so think i've tracked it down and plan on getting one..
http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Vogue-Stainless-Steel-Saute-Pan-240mm/M923/ProductDetail.raction (http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Vogue-Stainless-Steel-Saute-Pan-240mm/M923/ProductDetail.raction)
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One of my favourite gadgets is a plastic add on to the hand blender for making mashed potato. No lumps and the mash comes out like worms.
I like the look of the pan above, I might get one of these ordered.
One last gadget I bought last week was something called an Aeropress for making ridiculously good coffee.
Deks :)
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Im on the look out for a new pan, any recommendations anyone?
I use a Circulon wok for all my curries and pretty happy with it until I saw Atul Kotchar cooking with a neat little pan on telly the other day. Looked perfect for BIR cooking so think i've tracked it down and plan on getting one..
http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Vogue-Stainless-Steel-Saute-Pan-240mm/M923/ProductDetail.raction (http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Vogue-Stainless-Steel-Saute-Pan-240mm/M923/ProductDetail.raction)
Nice shape and almost identical to one I previously linked to. I'd rather have it in black iron than stainless though.
Just came across this on the Tesco website. Also on Amazon and Ebay for roughly the same price.
Not aluminium (Black iron) and a bit expensive but a great shape. :)
(http://www.curry-recipes.co.uk/imagehost/pics/30d8194ff65a373d09e4862139bd2c1d.JPG)
De Buyer Mineral B Country Frying pan - 24cm dia, 8cm deep
p.s. Looks like the same shape as the one in H4ppyChris' first video of the takeaway he posted when everyone got exited and wanted a deep pan, and it turned out to be a normal sized pan with the wrong video compression. ;D
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OK, so perhaps I'm more risk-averse than most, but for the life of me I cannot understand why (a) manufacturers manufacture, and (b) customers buy, pans with metal handles. I would never in a million years risk using such a thing -- all of my pans have insulated handles (either wood or thermo-setting plastic), and when shopping for a replacement I wouldn't give a second glance to a pan with a metal handle. I'd be interested to know what fraction of respondents agree with this, and what fraction are perfectly happy to use a pan with a metal handle and perhaps even prefer such things.
** Phil.
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I've used scores of pans with metal handles and never burnt my hand yet. To be honest after reading your post I had to mentally think what pans i had that had bare or insulated handles.
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OK, so perhaps I'm more risk-averse than most, but for the life of me I cannot understand why (a) manufacturers manufacture, and (b) customers buy, pans with metal handles. I would never in a million years risk using such a thing -- all of my pans have insulated handles (either wood or thermo-setting plastic), and when shopping for a replacement I wouldn't give a second glance to a pan with a metal handle. I'd be interested to know what fraction of respondents agree with this, and what fraction are perfectly happy to use a pan with a metal handle and perhaps even prefer such things.
** Phil.
I know exactly what you mean. I have a stove crock pot and lid which has metal lifting handles. When even doing basic stirring I have to use a dishcloth to hold one the pot handles or suffer second degree burns!
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One of my favourite gadgets is a plastic add on to the hand blender for making mashed potato. No lumps and the mash comes out like worms.
Is that the Kenwood hand blender attachment Dekie?
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One of my favourite gadgets is a plastic add on to the hand blender for making mashed potato. No lumps and the mash comes out like worms.
Is that the Kenwood hand blender attachment Dekie?
Hi Gav,
Yes that's the one :). Its all plastic with a plastic blade which pulls the potato through a multitude of holes. It is def my favourite gadget. With being single I make a bit pot (full bag of potatoes) and freeze in portions.
I'm not sure how to embed pics but I've pasted a link to a pic below. Its the attachment in the top right corner
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFGMm4KC-YDloO0VWccEoxlL7JXkkuofGJx9CDe6y4eJil3GC4hw
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I'll have to get one. I've just purchased a triblade although the next model up which doesn't come with the masher. We had your model at work with just the blades and it was great and so far has stood up to 2 years of everyday use.
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OK, so perhaps I'm more risk-averse than most, but for the life of me I cannot understand why (a) manufacturers manufacture, and (b) customers buy, pans with metal handles. I would never in a million years risk using such a thing -- all of my pans have insulated handles (either wood or thermo-setting plastic), and when shopping for a replacement I wouldn't give a second glance to a pan with a metal handle. I'd be interested to know what fraction of respondents agree with this, and what fraction are perfectly happy to use a pan with a metal handle and perhaps even prefer such things.
** Phil.
They tend to be favoured in professional kitchens as you can start off a dish on a burner or solid top and throw the whole thing in the oven to finish it off. You can also buy silicon sleeves to slide over the handles.
I can remember on a least one occasion in a pro kitchen I grabbed one by the handle after taking it out the oven. It's easily done as the handle tricks your brain i think.
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I have plenty of saucepans and frying pans with metal handles and don't understand at all the objection to them. The handles barely become warm to the touch in normal use, as they are joined and made in such a way that there is low thermal conductivity from the base of the pan to the handle. It's really not a problem. Meanwhile the durability and easy of maintenance of stainless steel means my pans are unlikely to deteriorate.
A casserole with metal handles is another matter however, as it's quite easy to forget you've just taken it out of the oven and grab the handle to give the contents a stir. Don't ask me how I know.....
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Wouldn
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Morphy Richards 48822 Soup/Garabi Maker - (very good, No Brainer for small amounts)
Yep agree with that. Soups good as well.
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I use my bamix grinding attachment so much, it's a very efficient tool.
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Hi phil
I'm no pro but some chefs fry stuff for a bit and then stick the pan in an oven. Plastic or wood wouldn't suffice
Regards
Mick