If you are looking for a new knife sharpener this Christmas, you need not look any further than this new Furi Ozitech pull through sharpener. Even if you are a die hard sharpening steel user, and can’t see the appeal of pull throughs, because they seem like an easy way out, you will be won over by how sharp this thing can actually get your kitchen knife blades!
All you need to do is pull the kitchen knife through the sharpener with a couple of light swipes, and your carving knife will be ready to slice up the turkey like never before.
I am one of those people who has always used a sharpening steel because I think it feels quite manly and like how the pros do it. Well, I am starting to be won over by this ozitech sharpener, because I am starting to get worried that my steel is not up to the job and is gradually blunting my knives - not something I want to be dealing with over Christmas!
The revolutionary knife sharpener with fast, easy and professional results. The Diamond Fingers technology ensures a sharp blade in seconds. Quick and easy technology keeps your knife blades sharp with just a few swipes. Compact and perfect for on-the-go chefs, home cooks and outdoor enthusiasts.
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This Kapoosh knife holder is going to be at the top of many a Christmas list this year. Not only is it exceptionally well designed, but very practical and functional as it allows you to store any number of different shaped and sized kitchen knives with a minimum of fuss. The tightly packed plastic rods inside the knife block keep all your knives in exactly the same position as you insert them, so you can order them by size, style of frequency of use without worrying about them moving about.
One thing to bear in mind - although it certainly should not put you off - is that the depth of these rods is only about eight inches, which means that some longer chefs knives will poke out a little more than is ideal, but if you are not too concerned about that, you should definitely be looking to get one of these blocks for your kitchen this year!
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The Kapoosh knife holder is a unique new system to hold any knife any time, no need to find a specific slot to slide knife into. The Kapoosh utilizes fredom rods, which allow you to mix and match kitchen knives form different sets and to store practically any utensil easily - anywhere in the block. Plus the rods keep your knives sharper by eliminating the potential of scraping blades on the edges of traditional knife block sets. These rods are removable and dishwasher safe. Just place the freedom rods on the top rack of your dishwasher for cleaning. This Kapoosh has a woodgrain exterior.
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If you are lucky enough to be on the receiving end of some nice new kitchen knives this Christmas, one of the first things you will need to attend to is some proper storage for them.
By just keeping your kitchen knives in a drawer, loose with everything else, you will not only run the risk of cutting fingers and hands, but the blades will become somewhat dulled by the constant bashing against other utensils. So, without further ado, here are 5 of the best knife racks.
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First off we have this great in-drawer slot based knife tray. Whilst it is not a knife *rack* as such, it is a great options for stowing your knives away safely and out of harms way. If you are not familiar with in-drawer knife slots, they are basically a block of wood with specially carved slots and shaped in a way so that your knives slide in with a minimal of fuss. JA Henckels are famous for making great quality kitchen knives, so you will be in safe hands with this rack.
Check out the J.A. Henckels Slot In-Drawer Knife Tray over here.
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Another in-drawer knife storage solution here, but this time from a different - but equally renowned knife manufacturer, Wusthof. This is a 7 slot knife storage tray that is especially suited to storing Wusthof knives and blades, and the styling of the rack will lend itself well to being a nice integrated knife storage solution.
Check out the Wusthof In-Drawer 7-Slot Knife Storage Tray on Amazon.
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Whilst this knife storage solution from Norpro requires a little more effort to install - in that it is a wall mounted magnetic knife rack - it certainly looks impressive when you have half a dozen of your trustiest kitchen knives attached in between cooking sessions in the kitchen. At 18 inches it is quite a large option, but should provide you with plenty of room for expansion in the years to come.
Check out the Norpro 18 Inch Magnetic Knife Bar over here on Amazon.
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With this stainless steel knife rack we are taking a slightly different turn and opting for the more traditional storage method of keeping them on a rack. We have capacity for up to 7 knives and 2 steels here, which should be ample storage for most. It is worth bearing in mind that - like the Norpro above - this one will need wall mounting again, so make sure you have sufficient wall space for it!
See this 9 Slot Stainless Steel Knife Rack over on Amazon.com.
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Simplify your life and beautify your knife drawer with Totally Bamboo's In Drawer Knife Block. It holds up to 15 knives and measures 17-inch long, 5.29-inch wide and 2-inch high. Have your knives organized, ready to use in this beautiful drawer organizer. It's durable and eco friendly. Made of strong bamboo. Organizer has a tri-ply, cross laminate construction with a specially formulated high temperature adhesive.
Check out the Totally Bamboo In Drawer Knife Block over here.
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Believe it or not, thousands of spoon rests and holders will be given out as gifts over the coming Christmas. What is, perhaps, as hard to believe is that not only will people be very happy with this gift to give, but the recipients will be equally pleased, because a spoon rest is just “one of those things” that you find yourself in need of in the heat of the kitchen, but end up just putting your utensils down on the worktop.
If you know anyone that likes to cook and spend time in the kitchen, and you are at a bit of a loss this Christmas as to what to get them, you need look no further than one of these varied rests. There are red spoon rests, black spoon rests - all different types for all types of kitchen.
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Help keep your countertops neat and clean while preparing meals with a Large Spoon Rest from Cuisinart. This sleek spoon holder features an extra deep design to accommodate your larger spoons and spatulas and a non-skid base to hold it in place on a smooth countertop or stovetop while you cook. Cuisinart Spoon Rest Features High quality plastic construction with a stylish brushed finish. Large design can accommodate larger kitchen utensils such as serving spoons spatulas and whisks. Deep spoon rest contains sloppy messes on utensils to help keep kitchen countertops or a stovetop clean and dry while you cook. Non-skid base helps hold spoon rest securely in places on smooth surfaces. A stylish and practical kitchen accessory that will keep your cooking utensils handy and countertops clean and tidy when preparing meals.
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Stirring the spaghetti? Or just the sauce? When you need to put a ladle or fork down for a second, this Italian chef themed spoon rest will come in as handy as it is attractive. A terrific way to spread our new line of cooking themed accessories around your kitchen, it looks great on the stove top while you?re at work, or propped up on a display shelf when dinner is over. Glazed earthenware. 7.25 x 4 inches.
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With over 200 year's of tradition, Spode has been known around the world as the epitome of English fine dining. Today, Spode continues to produce timeless classic's along with new design's with a very modern edge. Baking Days is one of Spode's more contemporary design's with bright color's to mix and match. Perfect for casual dining and kitchen decorating, Baking Days adds a lively atmosphere to today's everyday dining and entertaining. Bakeware and serveware piece's complement the dinnerware and make preparation simple and festive. Baking Days Polka Dot Spoon Rest.
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A miniature version of the original cast iron skillet. This is particularly good if you are buying for someone who really likes to cook with a cast iron skillet. Works great as a kitchen accessory. Seasoned ready to use.
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This Christmas a lot of us will be digging into our pockets and buying our loved ones - or at least those who love cooking - a brand new, shiny chef’s knife to fill a stocking. The chef’s knife is one of the most essential tools in the arsenal of any cook - it is versatile enough to do big tasks and little intricate work time after time, and there is nothing like getting your hands on your trusty companion when the pressure is on in the kitchen.
I have taken a bit of time to put together a list of some of the best chef’s knives on the market at the moment, so you can see which one you might be interested in. You can click on the picture or the links and head over to Amazon if you are looking to buy; they generally offer the best prices.
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I personally use Henckels knives, so I am probably a little bit biased towards them. These Syngery knives are a really great series, and they look fantastic to boot. Combining a very modern all-steel body and a moudled rubber handle, and the whole thing has a brused stainless steel finish.
These knives do not break the bank, either - although they are still quite expensive if you are not used to high end kitchen knives. There are certainly more expensive knives on the market, but I honestly believe that Henckles offers some of the best knives around.
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I love Victorinox for making great kitchen knives that are affordable for most people. Give my distaste for cheap [kitchen knives](http://www.kitchenknifereview.info/) which fall apart and are no good, Victorinox produce really good quality knives at significantly lower prices that many of their competitors.
This anniversary edition chef's knife is 8 inches long and has a moudled handle and a patented finger guard to keep your digits out the way of the blade. This knife has a very good balance and weighting and a very well shaped blade, meaning you can get through your work in the kitchen a lot quicker!
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Wusthof has been making the finest knives in the world for over 190 years. Made by skilled craftsman in Solingen Germany these fine Grand Prix 2 knives are precision forged out a single piece of the finest steel. This Grand Prix 2 8" Hollow ground Cooks knife is the work horse of knives. This knife cuts, chops and slices. The Hollow ground edge cuts with less friction allow for clean less agressive cuts. This edge also causes air pockets to form while cutting allow for moist foods to release easily from the blade edge.
See it on Amazon
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OXO Good Grips Professional Cutlery features the perfect balance of professional quality cutting with soft, comfortable grip. Sharp, stainless steel blades are hardened for strength and the blades are full-tang for durability and proper balance. Soft, non-slip handles cushion your hands and provide a safe secure grip.
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Ahead of the Christmas season I wanted to spend a little time highlighting some great salad spinners(or lettuce spinners, if you like), as there will be plenty of these handy little gadgets in stockings this year, and it is important to be aware of what you’re buying into.
So, without further ado, here are some of the best salad spinner this year!
The Best Salad Spinners This Year
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Progressive International is your source for the widest range of functional, inventive, and fun kitchen tools and great ideas put into practice. Our in-house designers spend hours in the kitchen coming up with ways to improve on a variety of traditional tasks and tools. Established in 1973, our commitment to quality and service allows us to offer a broad selection of quality kitchenware and other household products. The 5 quart ratchet salad spinner offers a revolutionary ratchet design which quickly and easily dries lettuce and greens. Simply ratchet the handle and the basket will spin and dry produce in seconds. It features an integrated braking mechanism and the basket and bowl can be used separately. Dishwasher safe.
Check out the Progressive International Ratchet Salad Spinner over here.
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Oxo Good Grips, Salad Spinner, With Patented One Handed Pump Mechanism, Built In Brake & Non Skid Bottom, Easy To Clean & Store.
Check out the OXO Large Clear Spinner over here.
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Give healthier eating a whirl with this mini salad spinner. Spin clockwise and counter clockwise for maximum efficiency. Immediately stop spinner with clever revolving handle. Convenient hole in lid for pouring in or draining out water. Also removes moisture from herbs and berries. All around viewing window.
Check out the Norpro Mini Salad Spinner over here.
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The new Zyliss, 4-6 serving, Smart Touch Salad Spinner features fast-action pump dry technology, bringing fun and ease to salad preparation while cleansing greens, berries and herbs of dirt and other impurities. It’s easy to use too, with the one-handed operation lever. The non-slip base keeps the spinner secured to the countertop while in use. Furthermore, the attractive salad bowl doubles as a serving piece! Fresh colors and fresh design. Winner of the 2008 red dot award for International Design Excellence.
Check out the Zyliss Smart Touch Salad Spinner 4-6 Servings, Green over here.
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This is another Zyliss spinner that is much smaller - and better suited to just one or two people, than the one above. It has a great white and clear styling which ensures you can enjoy the preparation of your salad, as well as eating it!
Check out the Zyliss Small Easy Spin Salad Spinner, white/transparent over here.
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Progressive International is your source for the widest range of functional, inventive, and fun kitchen tools and great ideas put into practice. Our in-house designers spend hours in the kitchen coming up with ways to improve on a variety of traditional tasks and tools. Established in 1973, our commitment to quality and service allows us to offer a broad selection of quality kitchenware and other household products. The 2 quart mini ratchet salad spinner offers a revolutionary ratchet design which quickly and easily dries lettuce and greens. Simply ratchet the handle and the basket will spin and dry produce in seconds. It features an integrated braking mechanism and the basket and bowl can be used separately. Dishwasher safe.
Check out the Progressive International Mini Ratchet Salad Spinner over here.
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Sunbeam's 6-1/2-inch Flow Thru Salad Spinner. Rinse, dry and serve fresh salads, fruits and vegetables with ease. Comfortable handle spins to remove access water with ease. Basket doubles as a colander for convenient straining. Versatile spinner bowl can also be used in refrigerator as a crisper.
Check out the Sunbeam 6-1/2-Inch Flow Thru Salad Spinner over here.
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To complete your salad prep, the new Chef’n Salad Spinners are great for quickly drying lettuce and herbs. The Salad Spinners have a unique, easy-to-use lever spinning system, which locks in place when not in use. The non-skid base keeps the Salad Spinners in place, while a convenient “stop†button offers control. Once the lettuce is dry, use the LeafShears™ to cut the lettuce for a perfect salad and then use the elegant acrylic Salad Spinner bowl for serving.
Check out the Chef'n Small Salad Spinner, Meringue with Arugula Basket over here.
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Many people fall into the trap of aiming too high when it comes to buy a new kitchen knife set. One of the main problems with this buying process is that some of the high quality kitchen knives, when bundled into a set, are really really expensive. For example, take Global or Wusthof - two high end kitchen knife manufacturers - whose knives can cost up to a hundred dollars each.
You want to avoid getting in this frame of mind and thinking that you need such a high end set of knives - you really do not. If you are looking at top end, you could easily spend six hundred dollars on them, which is kind of a ridiculous amount of money to pay - unless of course you’re quite comfortably flush with cash.
Choosing the best set of kitchen knives
Instead of focussing on “more expensive is better” think more about what you like to do in the kitchen - what styles of cooking do you favor and what style of knives have you enjoyed using in the past? For example, there is no real point in buying a ten inch Japanese santoku knife if you spend your days baking and cutting pastry. Like wise, if you like using fresh fish - especially tuna - and lots of finely sliced vegetables, that you want something more heavy duty that a tiny vegetable or paring knife.
It is often quite easy to fall into another trap of looking to get a block full of ten or more kitchen knives - again, this is overkill for what you need. I get by just fine with four JA Henckels knives, and if I am honest with myself, I could probably get by with just three of them (and a bread knife!).
So, if you are shopping around this Christmas - either for yourself or a family member - just remember that you can spend much less than you think you need to, and still come away with some very excellent kitchen knives that will last for years, if not decades.
You can always take a look over here on Amazon for kitchen knife sets - they pretty much always offer the best prices on these things. Happy shopping and happy holidays!
