Showing posts with label noritz water heater. Show all posts
Showing posts with label noritz water heater. Show all posts
Friday, September 12, 2014
Discount Joulesave Heatkeeper Energy Saving Radiator Panels - 10 Pack
The panels are very thin plastic and simply coated with a metallic coating (thinly). The double sided tape provided to attach to the wall is not very reliable and falls. I combined them with a thin panel of insulation to provide better insulation against the uninsulated brick walls of my home. I think it is an improvement.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Best Tuscan Walnut Comfort Furnace Infrared Heater UV Deals
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $579.99
Sale Price: $269.99
Today's Bonus: 53% Off

I got mine from tracter supply during a sales push with a rep. from comfort there.I have been a HVAC repair person for years. Their Rep. answered all my questions and I bought one Thinking I had 30 days and would return it if I did not like it. Before I pluged it in I read my meter. I ran it about 12hrs a day for a month read my meter again and was very happy to see after doing the math it cost me $36.00 more on my electric bill for heat for the month. Happy because if I ran my propane it cost me on a average of $9.00 per day. this little furnace cost $1.20 day. I use 600 gal. of propane a heating season times $2.89 a gal. this year = $1734.00 for the season. And the room is in is 72 not 68. This month is colder and I still have not turned my propane furnaceIt has been heating the whole house.I live in michigan. I will up date after my next meter reading . My house is a 1167 sq.ft. ranch.
Im back to update you after a full winter and into the middle of feb. this winter. I will still say get one . I changed propane supplyers this summer and started with a full tank 500 gal. 90% full. as of 15 feb. I am at 45%. any year befor I would have filled some time in jan. and well into my second tank of propane. At night I turn my gas furnace down to 64 and my litter heater off in the morning I turn them both on set my stat at 68 the gas furnace will run and heat up the whole house and the comfort furnace takes over after a hour or so the main furnace will not run again unless its around 0 deg. My electric bill has gone up about $30 to $35 a month. Thats way cheaper than propane. I have had No issues or problems with this unit .
The advertised 'timer' and HVAC sync are useless in our application. Actually, the 'timer' function is not a 24 hour timer and Does Not allow you to set the the heater to turn on and off on a scheduled basis. I believe it's only function is to stay on for a single period of time and turn itself off when that period of time has elapsed. Worse, the controls are electronic which defeats the idea of plugging the heater into a wall timer. So, you must turn it on when you need and remember to turn it off when you don't, like when your leaving the room for extended periods.
The HVAC sync might be useful if the heater were placed in the same area as the thermostat but where we have it placed, the air temp flucuates more widely because of all the window area. But that's why we bought it..to control a local area, not heat the house.
I whole heartedly endorse the UV lamp feature. We use them in my hospital because they work. The fan is noticable only if you are attentive to such things. Otherwise it's something you can easily tune out. And the case is really finished very nicely. It's not furniture so don't expect perfect woodworking but the Tuscan Walnut has a real wood look to it and the color is rich, not fake in appearance.
Finally, this unit will pull some current when in operation. If you have it plugged into a circuit with an old 15 amp breaker, it'll trip..especially if you have any other high current draw appliance plugged into the same circuit and in operation. We have it plugged into a circuit with a couple of floor lamps and the TV. The lamps dim when the heater starts up, but the breaker does not trip.
In our specific application, I rate this unit a 5 without reservations for basic functionality and a 4.5 overall for the addition of advertised 'features' that don't really work well imho, but for which I am most assuredly paying extra. Note: We have only had it two weeks so I can not attest to the units longevity. I will post an update after the winter is over.
The Seller: must have shipped it rush, it came in two days! Thanks golfstorehomecom!
I have tried using just the heater to heat our rooms, and the unit is only able to raise the house temp up to 62 degrees despite being set to 70-75. However, if I turn the furnace on and let it warm the house to say 64 and then turn the heater on when the furnace is finished; the heater is usually able to keep the house at 66. Bottom line, it is a different type of heat. If you think it will heat like a small pellet stove, it won't. Will it heat your house? doubtful. Will it heat a single room. Sure.
List Price: $579.99
Sale Price: $269.99
Today's Bonus: 53% Off
I got mine from tracter supply during a sales push with a rep. from comfort there.I have been a HVAC repair person for years. Their Rep. answered all my questions and I bought one Thinking I had 30 days and would return it if I did not like it. Before I pluged it in I read my meter. I ran it about 12hrs a day for a month read my meter again and was very happy to see after doing the math it cost me $36.00 more on my electric bill for heat for the month. Happy because if I ran my propane it cost me on a average of $9.00 per day. this little furnace cost $1.20 day. I use 600 gal. of propane a heating season times $2.89 a gal. this year = $1734.00 for the season. And the room is in is 72 not 68. This month is colder and I still have not turned my propane furnaceIt has been heating the whole house.I live in michigan. I will up date after my next meter reading . My house is a 1167 sq.ft. ranch.
Im back to update you after a full winter and into the middle of feb. this winter. I will still say get one . I changed propane supplyers this summer and started with a full tank 500 gal. 90% full. as of 15 feb. I am at 45%. any year befor I would have filled some time in jan. and well into my second tank of propane. At night I turn my gas furnace down to 64 and my litter heater off in the morning I turn them both on set my stat at 68 the gas furnace will run and heat up the whole house and the comfort furnace takes over after a hour or so the main furnace will not run again unless its around 0 deg. My electric bill has gone up about $30 to $35 a month. Thats way cheaper than propane. I have had No issues or problems with this unit .
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
This heater is quiet and performs as advertised. Remote function is a bit of a challenge for the non-electronically minded, but overall, I would highly recommend it.Best Deals on Tuscan Walnut Comfort Furnace Infrared Heater UV
We have this heater installed in a 14 x 16 sun/family room with cathedral ceiling that connects openly to the adjacent kitchen. It's a very nice room setup with one caveat, the sun/family room has an atrium door with side lights that opens onto our side deck....and the DOGS, oh my gosh, in and out All Day. The manufacturers instructions specifically state that you should Not place the heater by an exterior door but I find it works Very well behind the couch, between the couch and the exterior door. We don't have a cold chill running across the floor anymore and when the sun starts to go down and the room begins to cool off, the heater cranks up like it was made for the room. Why we waited 14 years to put a heater in this area is beyond me.The advertised 'timer' and HVAC sync are useless in our application. Actually, the 'timer' function is not a 24 hour timer and Does Not allow you to set the the heater to turn on and off on a scheduled basis. I believe it's only function is to stay on for a single period of time and turn itself off when that period of time has elapsed. Worse, the controls are electronic which defeats the idea of plugging the heater into a wall timer. So, you must turn it on when you need and remember to turn it off when you don't, like when your leaving the room for extended periods.
The HVAC sync might be useful if the heater were placed in the same area as the thermostat but where we have it placed, the air temp flucuates more widely because of all the window area. But that's why we bought it..to control a local area, not heat the house.
I whole heartedly endorse the UV lamp feature. We use them in my hospital because they work. The fan is noticable only if you are attentive to such things. Otherwise it's something you can easily tune out. And the case is really finished very nicely. It's not furniture so don't expect perfect woodworking but the Tuscan Walnut has a real wood look to it and the color is rich, not fake in appearance.
Finally, this unit will pull some current when in operation. If you have it plugged into a circuit with an old 15 amp breaker, it'll trip..especially if you have any other high current draw appliance plugged into the same circuit and in operation. We have it plugged into a circuit with a couple of floor lamps and the TV. The lamps dim when the heater starts up, but the breaker does not trip.
In our specific application, I rate this unit a 5 without reservations for basic functionality and a 4.5 overall for the addition of advertised 'features' that don't really work well imho, but for which I am most assuredly paying extra. Note: We have only had it two weeks so I can not attest to the units longevity. I will post an update after the winter is over.
The Seller: must have shipped it rush, it came in two days! Thanks golfstorehomecom!
Honest reviews on Tuscan Walnut Comfort Furnace Infrared Heater UV
We bought this unit from Tractor Supply during a Black Friday sale ($299). Figured I would give it a try. The first couple of days/evenings it worked great. However, upon further use and closer inspection, this unit is only average. The heater does good job maintaing a level of heat in our living room/dining room. The two are connected through a large open doorway and the two rooms combined are about 500 square feet and there are open doorways to other rooms off them.I have tried using just the heater to heat our rooms, and the unit is only able to raise the house temp up to 62 degrees despite being set to 70-75. However, if I turn the furnace on and let it warm the house to say 64 and then turn the heater on when the furnace is finished; the heater is usually able to keep the house at 66. Bottom line, it is a different type of heat. If you think it will heat like a small pellet stove, it won't. Will it heat your house? doubtful. Will it heat a single room. Sure.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Tuscan Walnut Comfort Furnace Infrared Heater UV
Works well, no problems and I've had it on solidly for about a month now. Not sure what impact it will have on my electric bill but I'm sure it'll balance out with the lower oil heating bill since the furnace has rarely had to come on. Tip: Use it with a nearby humidifier for best results.Monday, July 14, 2014
Discount Lasko 30" Tall Digital Ceramic Pedestal Heater with Remote
This heater is AMAZING! Its around 40-50 bucks and works great. I reccomend it to anyone! The remote control is awesome, you can pick high or low the machine rotates if you want it too. My first one lasted 2-3 years and it died and I ran and bought another one. Even if it only lasts a year its WORTH it, since I keep it on all day (well not when I am at work) but at work I have one as well. This Heater is the best by far and trust me Ive had my share of heaters. Its also pretty cool looking :)
Timer is great. Temp control is nice, only every time you adjust, you have to adjust hi/lo again. Its a good buy, trust me. I'm going through 45 degree bay weather and this helps.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
This is mainly a review on the manufacturer-Lasko. Over the years I have bought 2 Lasko model 6350 heaters. I paid $50 at Target for them. One heater was bought for my girlfriend 3 years ago. She has used it heavily as a supplement to heat a bath/closet/single room area and it has worked great. We liked it so much I bought another one for my parents for their RV. They visit us in the winter, and we get a lot 10-20 degree nights even here in TN, and it will heat their 37' RV which is poorly insulated. After one season, my parents heater quit working-wouldn't even power on (1.5 years after purchase). So I called Lasko and they asked for the batch number on the back of the heater. FYIthey picked up on the first ring, no automation, and spoke English. Apparently some of these units (6350) have a bad power control panel. They had me cut the cord, mail it to them w a copy of my receipt, and a brief description of the problem. Five days later I received a new unit, put it together, and it works fine. In a era where customer service is horrible, I was very pleased at how they handled the problem. Yes I know normally a product that stops working shouldn't get a good review, but I feel good about this product and manufacturer since unit num one is going strongand the fact that Lasko stands by their product says something. One thing I will mention about these pedestal type ceramic heatersthese things really put out the heat, but if you have toddlers stumbling around, the grille does get hot but I don't think so hot that it would burn a child alive and do permanent damage. Wouldn't feel good I'm sure but relatively safe. We really love these heaters, they are very quiet and efficient. Hope this helps.Best Deals on Lasko 30" Tall Digital Ceramic Pedestal Heater with Remote
This is a pretty good heater with bang for your buck. It does not tip over easily (like some people say) unless you deliberately push it over. I love the remote, I can sit at my comp and control the heater from several feet away. Only con is that it won't warm up your feet-since it is on a pedestal meant to give comfortable seat-height warmth.Timer is great. Temp control is nice, only every time you adjust, you have to adjust hi/lo again. Its a good buy, trust me. I'm going through 45 degree bay weather and this helps.
Honest reviews on Lasko 30" Tall Digital Ceramic Pedestal Heater with Remote
I just purchased this heater (from outside vendor). My previous Lasko heater finally gave up after about six years of seasonal use. I really liked the previous heater, so I got another Lasko. Unfortunately, this one has absolutely no tip control. My old heater was more stable than this one to begin with (pedestal makes it more prone to tipping) and if you tilted the old heater more than about 10 degrees it automatically shut off. This was a great safety feature. THIS Lasko heater can be tipped over onto the floor and will still continue cranking out heat. I am returning it.Saturday, May 17, 2014
Buy Duraflame DFS-550CRN Freestanding Electric Stove with Remote Control
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $199.00
Sale Price: $119.00
Today's Bonus: 40% Off

Two days after I received this stove, it started to malfunction. Since I'm not at all interested in burning my house down, the stove has been sitting in a corner since January 18th, while I've been trying in vain to contact the manufacturer. I've tried email, phone calls, their useless customer service portal and even their facebook page. Based on comments on facebook, I am far from the only person who is dealing with faulty products and a complete lack of customer service. The seller did respond to my email immediately and contacted the manufacturer on my behalf, but I still have had no resolution to this problem.
Update 02/20/2012: I want to note that that seller, Electric Fireplaces Direct, took care of my problem by providing a replacement stove that arrived today. I appreciate this, since this was a manufacturer's warranty issue and not a problem with the seller or shipper. I never did receive any contact from the manufacturer and will make a point of not purchasing any products from that company in the future.
Update 03/28/2012: The second stove stopped working. The "flames" work, the heat does not. This stove is in a home office and is only plugged in and turned on for an hour or so in the morning (and not every morning) to take the chill off, so it's not as if it's been used and abused. After the hassle of trying to warranty the first one, I don't know if it's even worth trying to warranty this piece of junk. For anyone wondering about the cost of using this heater to heat a room, my experience is that, excluding electricity, it costs about $120 a month plus a heater to dispose of. I'm not happy.
Wonderful! This is the second DuraFlame that I have purchased, with a third for fireplace insert, on its way. This burgundy one is now sitting in the corner of the kitchen awaiting the chilly winds of WI. The kitchen feels chilly to me and I've always had a portable heater in the corner. This is lovely and I'm sure it will perform as has the one from last year and still going. Came in great time and well packaged. This has been a great company with which to do business.
List Price: $199.00
Sale Price: $119.00
Today's Bonus: 40% Off
Two days after I received this stove, it started to malfunction. Since I'm not at all interested in burning my house down, the stove has been sitting in a corner since January 18th, while I've been trying in vain to contact the manufacturer. I've tried email, phone calls, their useless customer service portal and even their facebook page. Based on comments on facebook, I am far from the only person who is dealing with faulty products and a complete lack of customer service. The seller did respond to my email immediately and contacted the manufacturer on my behalf, but I still have had no resolution to this problem.
Update 02/20/2012: I want to note that that seller, Electric Fireplaces Direct, took care of my problem by providing a replacement stove that arrived today. I appreciate this, since this was a manufacturer's warranty issue and not a problem with the seller or shipper. I never did receive any contact from the manufacturer and will make a point of not purchasing any products from that company in the future.
Update 03/28/2012: The second stove stopped working. The "flames" work, the heat does not. This stove is in a home office and is only plugged in and turned on for an hour or so in the morning (and not every morning) to take the chill off, so it's not as if it's been used and abused. After the hassle of trying to warranty the first one, I don't know if it's even worth trying to warranty this piece of junk. For anyone wondering about the cost of using this heater to heat a room, my experience is that, excluding electricity, it costs about $120 a month plus a heater to dispose of. I'm not happy.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I purchased this for Christmas and it shipped fast and damage free! It looks nice for a small electric heater although it heats only the size of a average bedroom nice on HIGH non stop. My power bill tripled after running it for a month so now it sits completely shut off. Keep in mind if you purchased this that it's expensive to use for heat.Best Deals on Duraflame DFS-550CRN Freestanding Electric Stove with Remote Control
We purchased this stove mostly for the look of a fire without the trouble of an actual stove Turned on it gives heat needed to remove the chill of winter while giving us the entertainment of a fire.Honest reviews on Duraflame DFS-550CRN Freestanding Electric Stove with Remote Control
I chose this heater because it is Duraflame but very disappointed in the quality of the product. It looks great, has remote to turn it on and off, control the flame presentation and does put out good heat. But, it has a very annoying fan whir, much louder than our old stove of another brand. Also, when I turned it on, white light flashes were visible coming out the back of the stove in several places. I am still considering returning it. I could not recommend to friends.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Duraflame DFS-550CRN Freestanding Electric Stove with Remote Control
Duraflame DFS-550CRN Freestanding Electric Stove with Remote Control Sold by Electric Fireplaces Direct OutletWonderful! This is the second DuraFlame that I have purchased, with a third for fireplace insert, on its way. This burgundy one is now sitting in the corner of the kitchen awaiting the chilly winds of WI. The kitchen feels chilly to me and I've always had a portable heater in the corner. This is lovely and I'm sure it will perform as has the one from last year and still going. Came in great time and well packaged. This has been a great company with which to do business.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Cheap Mr. Heater MH15 Single Tank Top Outdoor Propane Heater
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $70.11
Sale Price: $51.49
Today's Bonus: 27% Off

I have used many heaters for ice fishing for my tents and of all the ones I have used this one is by far the best one I have ever used. It puts off plenty of heat for a 2 man, 3 man, and 4 man ice fishing tents with no problem it does so well that after about 25 minutes to 35 minutes of use in an ice fishing tent my buddies and I have to turn it down to either low or off because this heater WILL bake you out of the tent LOL. I have also used this in camping tents with no problems at all, we usually run the heater for about 35 minutes to get the tent nice and warm then turn it off and get into our sleeping bags. Just make sure that you don't kick this over after you turn it off in a camping tent it stays warm for awhile and it will melt/burn the hell out of your tent. I highly recommend this heater for anybody that camps or ice fishes in high altitude areas, unlike other heaters that have touchy low oxygen sensors and shut off and have a hard time reigniting this one will not give you ANY problems igniting and staying lit in a high altitude area. I have used other Mr. Heaters with the ceramic plates and most of them are crap if you are in high altitude areas, they work good in lower altitude areas but this one will give you no problems no matter where you are.
List Price: $70.11
Sale Price: $51.49
Today's Bonus: 27% Off
I have used many heaters for ice fishing for my tents and of all the ones I have used this one is by far the best one I have ever used. It puts off plenty of heat for a 2 man, 3 man, and 4 man ice fishing tents with no problem it does so well that after about 25 minutes to 35 minutes of use in an ice fishing tent my buddies and I have to turn it down to either low or off because this heater WILL bake you out of the tent LOL. I have also used this in camping tents with no problems at all, we usually run the heater for about 35 minutes to get the tent nice and warm then turn it off and get into our sleeping bags. Just make sure that you don't kick this over after you turn it off in a camping tent it stays warm for awhile and it will melt/burn the hell out of your tent. I highly recommend this heater for anybody that camps or ice fishes in high altitude areas, unlike other heaters that have touchy low oxygen sensors and shut off and have a hard time reigniting this one will not give you ANY problems igniting and staying lit in a high altitude area. I have used other Mr. Heaters with the ceramic plates and most of them are crap if you are in high altitude areas, they work good in lower altitude areas but this one will give you no problems no matter where you are.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I am Bryan's wife. He bought this heater for me. I like to use a little heater in the bathroom when I shower in the cold months. This heater has the bathroom like a sauna when I get out. Let me also mention, I have the water on hot, usually the mirror is full of steam. However, with this heater on, only half the mirror is covered. I love it!!Best Deals on Mr. Heater MH15 Single Tank Top Outdoor Propane Heater
Works perfect. Just what my husband wanted to take the chill out of the garage and in his duck blind.Honest reviews on Mr. Heater MH15 Single Tank Top Outdoor Propane Heater
This is a great little heater it keeps a bunch of the moms warm at late night little league games.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Mr. Heater MH15 Single Tank Top Outdoor Propane Heater
This little heater will run you out of your enclosed golf cart even on low. I have mine in a cup holder using a golfcat holder to make the propane tank fit. It does get hot so watch out not ot burn your windshield.Friday, March 28, 2014
Reviews of Pleasant Hearth 23-Inch Pearson Heritage Media Electric Fireplace
It is very pleasant hearth indeed, it is a very nice dark cherry solid wood, not particle board which makes it nice. it is the size of a bedroom dresser and the fireplace is a very nice touch to create the mood or just to keep warm.
Anyone purchase
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
What is the color? Have not purchase yet I think it's the color I'm looking for price is right!!!Anyone purchase
Friday, January 17, 2014
Discount DorkFood DSV Temperature Controller for Sous-vide
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $110.00
Sale Price: $99.00
Today's Bonus: 10% Off

For several years I've been hankering for an immersion circulator to try sous vide cooking at home. I didn't have the $2000 plus for a complete PolyScience unit, or even the $900 or so for a pro quality circulator head. So without expecting too much, I bought the oddly, sweetly named DorkFod DSV Temperature Controller and teamed it up with a 7 quart manual crock pot I found on sale at a local discount store for $19.
Much to my surprise, the combination totally rocks. The DorkFood unit is solidly built, easy to use, and holds the temperature I set within about 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The natural bottom to top convection of the crock pot, even without an additional circulator, has provided even heat for my sous vide creations. If you've never had leg of lamb cooked under vacuum for 36 hours you don't know what you're missing: a mild, non-gamy flavor with the buttery texture of filet mignon. Lobster tails cooked with garlic butter unbelievably tender and sweet. Restaurant quality duck confit becomes child's play! Cure duck legs (with thigh) overnight with salt, thyme and crushed juniper berries rinse and pat dry the next day seal under vacuum with 1 tablespoon of rendered duck fat per leg and cook at 167 degrees for 30 hours or more for the most succulent duck you've ever tasted. After cooking I cut off the skin and fry it under a cast iron weight (affectionately known as a "pig") and top the duck leg with a crispy duck bacon "cracker."
There are so many free resources on-line and great books at Amazon for sous vide coooking it's easy to get started. And for a total of $118 including the crock pot DorkFood exceeded my expectations. Although I have a good vacuum sealer (VacMaster VP112) many sous vide dishes can be prepared using carefully sealed freezer quality ZipLoc bags. This product really lowers the bar for getting into the wonderful world of sous vide. Nature may abhor a vacuum, but adventurous chefs love it!
Small hint: Whole Foods and some other stores will vacuum seal your meats if you ask nicely with a smile :)
The device may look a little intimidating at first, but its actually very simple to use. It also comes with a small handout that has instructions and pictures for setting it up. The unit is a little industrial looking so I'm happy that its small enough to put away out of sight after I'm done cooking. I hope the company makes a "prettier" version of the device soon.
But my absolute FAVORITE part about the DSV is that it allows you to transform your existing kitchen devices... those that have been sitting unused in the kitchen cabinets gathering a thick layer of dust... into a fancy state-of-the-art sous vide machine that is just as good as the $500+ models.
I would highly recommend this product to any of my friends and I'm getting my parents one for Christmas this year. It would also make a very unique wedding present or a cool gift for the aspiring chef in the family.
The unit is very easy to setup, make sure your Crock Pot has a mechanical temperature switch, not electronic. Kept the water at the perfect temperature for the entire cooking time. Preheated the water for 1 hour before to let the unit calibrate. Would highly recommend.
I snare spiny lobster and spear a lot of fish, and have been wanting sous vide capability for a long time. But my tiny kitchen will not fit any more gadgets; not one more pot. I didn't want a barn rigged mess of DIY components. I can't cope with longer cords or circulators or racks or vacuum sealers or any more stuff. Now with my $15 crockpot and the DSV, I'm good to go.
First try out of the box, I made the best pork tenderloin of my life. Seafood is like something from a very moist alien world. I will NEVER cook my lobsters any other way. I use regular zip bags or roll softer proteins into cling wrap cylinders. As I learn better techniques, I may just wrap. It's faster and cheaper and there is no movement to disturb it. Worries about uniform food thickness are unfounded for home cooking. That's for chefs who must produce many meals in a limited time. No part of the food can ever be overheated. Texture differences in thin areas from a few more minutes at target temperature are imperceptible. Flavors are intensified. Use less spice and seasoning.
Despite a few overwrought reviews, my Dork works perfectly. Unless you sleep in the kitchen, concerns about the clicking are ridiculous. Put on some music in the living room and it's unnoticeable. It holds 1º over the displayed temperature according to a reliable stick probe. I normally preheat the water in a fast electric kettle. Then the Dork powers the crock heater for a few seconds 3 or 4 times/minute. It doesn't heat up the kitchen and that's a big deal in Florida. Like running a 20 watt bulb, the power costs a penny for 3 hours of cooking.
The only valid issue with this approach to sous vide is the use of low-power heaters. The cooking water should be up to target temperature before introducing the food, which will cool it. This can be a long wait with a 100 200 watt crockpot like mine. So preheat the water quickly in a pot or kettle, much hotter than cooking temperature. The crock has to be heated too. Then adjust with a little tap water to the target temperature and off you go. With a few tries, you will hit target temperature in 5 minutes with very little fuss. The Dork helps by constantly displaying the actual water temperature.
The general problem with sous vide is long cooking times. With a nice controller like the Dork, it doesn't have to be your time. Go outside for some sun, fresh air, and exercise. Dinner will be perfect whenever you get back.
I have tried this with a 4QT slow cooker/crock pot and with a Oster 14 cup rice cooker. Either works fine.
It takes a long time to "settle" on your selected temprature, even if you pre-heat the water. For example, if I set the temp to 140F, often it will hold at about 145F after about 30 min and takes quite a while to come back down. The temprature on the unit and the temp as read on a separate thermometer are exactly same, generally about 5 degrees too high. Odd, but after a couple of hours it will generally "settle" at the selected temp. I can work around this by either intentionally setting the temp lower than desired or just wait however long it takes for it to settle at the selected temp.
They claim the device can maintain the temp at +/.25F once the unit settles on the selected temp. I have found that to be spot on, once settled it never deviates.
Overall, I am very happy with this purchase. I hope it lasts a long time!
List Price: $110.00
Sale Price: $99.00
Today's Bonus: 10% Off
For several years I've been hankering for an immersion circulator to try sous vide cooking at home. I didn't have the $2000 plus for a complete PolyScience unit, or even the $900 or so for a pro quality circulator head. So without expecting too much, I bought the oddly, sweetly named DorkFod DSV Temperature Controller and teamed it up with a 7 quart manual crock pot I found on sale at a local discount store for $19.
Much to my surprise, the combination totally rocks. The DorkFood unit is solidly built, easy to use, and holds the temperature I set within about 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The natural bottom to top convection of the crock pot, even without an additional circulator, has provided even heat for my sous vide creations. If you've never had leg of lamb cooked under vacuum for 36 hours you don't know what you're missing: a mild, non-gamy flavor with the buttery texture of filet mignon. Lobster tails cooked with garlic butter unbelievably tender and sweet. Restaurant quality duck confit becomes child's play! Cure duck legs (with thigh) overnight with salt, thyme and crushed juniper berries rinse and pat dry the next day seal under vacuum with 1 tablespoon of rendered duck fat per leg and cook at 167 degrees for 30 hours or more for the most succulent duck you've ever tasted. After cooking I cut off the skin and fry it under a cast iron weight (affectionately known as a "pig") and top the duck leg with a crispy duck bacon "cracker."
There are so many free resources on-line and great books at Amazon for sous vide coooking it's easy to get started. And for a total of $118 including the crock pot DorkFood exceeded my expectations. Although I have a good vacuum sealer (VacMaster VP112) many sous vide dishes can be prepared using carefully sealed freezer quality ZipLoc bags. This product really lowers the bar for getting into the wonderful world of sous vide. Nature may abhor a vacuum, but adventurous chefs love it!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I am so happy that there is finally an affordable solution out there for the rest of us. We frequently have dinner parties and sous vide is a super easy way to cook an amazing meal for many people. I use it a lot to cook fish and steak, but we have also used it for chicken, lamb, and even veggies. There are a lot of good cookbooks out there too, but I think experimenting with your own recipes is part of the fun.Small hint: Whole Foods and some other stores will vacuum seal your meats if you ask nicely with a smile :)
The device may look a little intimidating at first, but its actually very simple to use. It also comes with a small handout that has instructions and pictures for setting it up. The unit is a little industrial looking so I'm happy that its small enough to put away out of sight after I'm done cooking. I hope the company makes a "prettier" version of the device soon.
But my absolute FAVORITE part about the DSV is that it allows you to transform your existing kitchen devices... those that have been sitting unused in the kitchen cabinets gathering a thick layer of dust... into a fancy state-of-the-art sous vide machine that is just as good as the $500+ models.
I would highly recommend this product to any of my friends and I'm getting my parents one for Christmas this year. It would also make a very unique wedding present or a cool gift for the aspiring chef in the family.
Best Deals on DorkFood DSV Temperature Controller for Sous-vide
Very simple tool to cook via the Sous Vide method. Did four filets with butter and salt in the bag. 135 degrees for 2 hours, a very quick sear at the end. Amazing results, may be the one of the best steaks I've ever had.The unit is very easy to setup, make sure your Crock Pot has a mechanical temperature switch, not electronic. Kept the water at the perfect temperature for the entire cooking time. Preheated the water for 1 hour before to let the unit calibrate. Would highly recommend.
Honest reviews on DorkFood DSV Temperature Controller for Sous-vide
Thank you, Dorks. This is the small scale, clutter free, set-and-forget appliance I was waiting for.I snare spiny lobster and spear a lot of fish, and have been wanting sous vide capability for a long time. But my tiny kitchen will not fit any more gadgets; not one more pot. I didn't want a barn rigged mess of DIY components. I can't cope with longer cords or circulators or racks or vacuum sealers or any more stuff. Now with my $15 crockpot and the DSV, I'm good to go.
First try out of the box, I made the best pork tenderloin of my life. Seafood is like something from a very moist alien world. I will NEVER cook my lobsters any other way. I use regular zip bags or roll softer proteins into cling wrap cylinders. As I learn better techniques, I may just wrap. It's faster and cheaper and there is no movement to disturb it. Worries about uniform food thickness are unfounded for home cooking. That's for chefs who must produce many meals in a limited time. No part of the food can ever be overheated. Texture differences in thin areas from a few more minutes at target temperature are imperceptible. Flavors are intensified. Use less spice and seasoning.
Despite a few overwrought reviews, my Dork works perfectly. Unless you sleep in the kitchen, concerns about the clicking are ridiculous. Put on some music in the living room and it's unnoticeable. It holds 1º over the displayed temperature according to a reliable stick probe. I normally preheat the water in a fast electric kettle. Then the Dork powers the crock heater for a few seconds 3 or 4 times/minute. It doesn't heat up the kitchen and that's a big deal in Florida. Like running a 20 watt bulb, the power costs a penny for 3 hours of cooking.
The only valid issue with this approach to sous vide is the use of low-power heaters. The cooking water should be up to target temperature before introducing the food, which will cool it. This can be a long wait with a 100 200 watt crockpot like mine. So preheat the water quickly in a pot or kettle, much hotter than cooking temperature. The crock has to be heated too. Then adjust with a little tap water to the target temperature and off you go. With a few tries, you will hit target temperature in 5 minutes with very little fuss. The Dork helps by constantly displaying the actual water temperature.
The general problem with sous vide is long cooking times. With a nice controller like the Dork, it doesn't have to be your time. Go outside for some sun, fresh air, and exercise. Dinner will be perfect whenever you get back.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for DorkFood DSV Temperature Controller for Sous-vide
The DSV is a fantastic way to get into sous-vide cooking without spending a ton of money. I looked at several DIY options, but I don't think they are very cost effective, nor safe unless you really know what you're doing (and I don't).I have tried this with a 4QT slow cooker/crock pot and with a Oster 14 cup rice cooker. Either works fine.
It takes a long time to "settle" on your selected temprature, even if you pre-heat the water. For example, if I set the temp to 140F, often it will hold at about 145F after about 30 min and takes quite a while to come back down. The temprature on the unit and the temp as read on a separate thermometer are exactly same, generally about 5 degrees too high. Odd, but after a couple of hours it will generally "settle" at the selected temp. I can work around this by either intentionally setting the temp lower than desired or just wait however long it takes for it to settle at the selected temp.
They claim the device can maintain the temp at +/.25F once the unit settles on the selected temp. I have found that to be spot on, once settled it never deviates.
Overall, I am very happy with this purchase. I hope it lasts a long time!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Review of Cuisinart® 12-cup Coffee Maker - Black Chrome Series
I am VERY picky when it comes to coffee makers and have trouble finding one that doesn't make the coffee taste like plastic. This one works fine for me. I owned a DeLonghi before this one for about 6 years and the new DeLonghis have suffered a setback in quality as far as I am concerned. I returned about 3 of them. The minor flaw in this coffee maker is that the water gauge is on the inside and it is a little hard to tell what the level is. It is also a little tricky to pour water into. That wasn't enough for me to return it though, since the coffee tasted great!
* P.S.: It is now Dec2010 and I have had NO problems with this coffee maker for 3 years. When it finally does break I hope the new ones are just as good because I plan to buy another when needed. Even with a couple of drawbacks listed above it is the "Best Coffee Maker I've ever had".
* P.S.S.: It is now Dec2012 and still no problems with this coffee maker. Love, love, love it. Just have to clean it a couple of times a year and works great. I broke the pot and ordered a replacement.
I was worried about how difficult it would be to pour water in b/c of the placement of the well, but what you find out is that the Cuisinart pot is perfectly designed to sit on the lip of the well and pour the water on.
Wish the lid on the pot were attached with a lever, instead of being a pop on and off affair... and if I break the pot oi doesn't seem like a cheap replacement.
Small minus points for plastic knobs with cheap feeling little silver lines painted on which look like they'll get stripped off.. As mentioned the water gage is inside and isn't the easiest to read, you just have to measure carefully before you pour in no biggie. And small minus for the faintness of the LED clock, and that to program the machine, you have to click TWO settings, not one, but still I'm more impressed than I expected.
And Big points for style.
Oh and no plastic taste here.
I have seen many people who say that the water gauge being on the inside is a flaw in the design and they don't know how much water they put in. I do not understand this. I am 6'2" and can see the water gauge fine. That said, I never look at it anyway because I use the pot to measure the water and fill.
Another "flaw" that I read in many reviews referred to the place where you pour the water being too small. Not the case. It is not tricky AT ALL to pour in the water. I use the coffe pot to fill it and I have never spilled a drop. I don't have to be particularly careful to get the desired result, either.
This is a great coffe pot and an excellent value for the money. It makes a GREAT pot of coffee!
UPDATE 6-25-12
I have now had this coffee maker for about 3 years and still love it just as much. It's a great coffee maker!
UPDATE 9-22-13
Still going strong!
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I purchased this coffee maker 4 months ago and it has worked wonderful so far. This is the 3rd coffee maker I have had in the last year. It told me last week to clean it and I did. Makes wonderful coffee set to my taste, and stays as hot as I want it to. Looks sleek and beautiful on the cabinet. Only drawbacks are you have to pour slow so you don't dribble (but only when I rush) and clock can't be seen in dark so I keep it unplugged when not in use. I hope it lasts as long as it is warranteed for but would take 2 years.* P.S.: It is now Dec2010 and I have had NO problems with this coffee maker for 3 years. When it finally does break I hope the new ones are just as good because I plan to buy another when needed. Even with a couple of drawbacks listed above it is the "Best Coffee Maker I've ever had".
* P.S.S.: It is now Dec2012 and still no problems with this coffee maker. Love, love, love it. Just have to clean it a couple of times a year and works great. I broke the pot and ordered a replacement.
Best Deals on Cuisinart® 12-cup Coffee Maker - Black Chrome Series
We bought this coffee maker less than 2 years ago. For the past few months, we babysat it to restart it during the brew cycle. Now it is completely kaput. In researching other coffeemakers, I see that most manufacturers have at least 10 percent 1-star reviews, many because of the short lifespan of the product. After having a Braun coffee grinder for 25 years and prior coffee makers for at least 5, I expect more than a 2-year lifespan for something on which I spend nearly $100. We are going back to stovetop boiling and dripping into our own thermal carafe no coffeemaker involved.Honest reviews on Cuisinart® 12-cup Coffee Maker - Black Chrome Series
I read reviews obsessively and couldn't find the combination of features and looks and color I wanted (I got this in white), and settled on this one.I was worried about how difficult it would be to pour water in b/c of the placement of the well, but what you find out is that the Cuisinart pot is perfectly designed to sit on the lip of the well and pour the water on.
Wish the lid on the pot were attached with a lever, instead of being a pop on and off affair... and if I break the pot oi doesn't seem like a cheap replacement.
Small minus points for plastic knobs with cheap feeling little silver lines painted on which look like they'll get stripped off.. As mentioned the water gage is inside and isn't the easiest to read, you just have to measure carefully before you pour in no biggie. And small minus for the faintness of the LED clock, and that to program the machine, you have to click TWO settings, not one, but still I'm more impressed than I expected.
And Big points for style.
Oh and no plastic taste here.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Cuisinart® 12-cup Coffee Maker - Black Chrome Series
This is the best coffee maker I ever had. I was reluctant to spend $80 on a coffee maker. After living with this one for 6 months now I can honestly say that I would have paid a hundred for it and still been just as happy.I have seen many people who say that the water gauge being on the inside is a flaw in the design and they don't know how much water they put in. I do not understand this. I am 6'2" and can see the water gauge fine. That said, I never look at it anyway because I use the pot to measure the water and fill.
Another "flaw" that I read in many reviews referred to the place where you pour the water being too small. Not the case. It is not tricky AT ALL to pour in the water. I use the coffe pot to fill it and I have never spilled a drop. I don't have to be particularly careful to get the desired result, either.
This is a great coffe pot and an excellent value for the money. It makes a GREAT pot of coffee!
UPDATE 6-25-12
I have now had this coffee maker for about 3 years and still love it just as much. It's a great coffee maker!
UPDATE 9-22-13
Still going strong!
Friday, November 29, 2013
Propane Tank Refill Adapter EZ Coupler Reviews
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $24.99
Sale Price: $10.71
Today's Bonus: 57% Off

As it comes delivered this thing is a completely worthless leaking fire hazard that will ruin your bottles you are trying to fill as well as the bottle you are filling with.... Being a Marine Engineer I had all the tools to make this piece work, but at a low hourly rate it would have cost me $60.00 to make this thing useable.... The outer threads needed machined to fit this in the filling bottle first, just to find out that the stem inside was machined wrong and slicing the tiny seals in my one pound bottles to be filled, so fixed that next just to find out that the red sealing gasket for the one pound bottles in this thing is not a gasket at all and leaked more propane than it put in the bottles.... So.... then I had to make a proper sealing gasket as well.... One thing after another, should have just sent it back when I noticed the first problem I guess, but, hours later and I have this this thing re-machined and gasketed so that it actually works, and it only ruined one of my one pound bottles.... My advice is do not buy any one of these that has a red sealing surface inside that mates up with your one pound bottles, my guess is that there a lot of places re-branding this one bad unit with the red sealing surface inside so check the pictures....
List Price: $24.99
Sale Price: $10.71
Today's Bonus: 57% Off
As it comes delivered this thing is a completely worthless leaking fire hazard that will ruin your bottles you are trying to fill as well as the bottle you are filling with.... Being a Marine Engineer I had all the tools to make this piece work, but at a low hourly rate it would have cost me $60.00 to make this thing useable.... The outer threads needed machined to fit this in the filling bottle first, just to find out that the stem inside was machined wrong and slicing the tiny seals in my one pound bottles to be filled, so fixed that next just to find out that the red sealing gasket for the one pound bottles in this thing is not a gasket at all and leaked more propane than it put in the bottles.... So.... then I had to make a proper sealing gasket as well.... One thing after another, should have just sent it back when I noticed the first problem I guess, but, hours later and I have this this thing re-machined and gasketed so that it actually works, and it only ruined one of my one pound bottles.... My advice is do not buy any one of these that has a red sealing surface inside that mates up with your one pound bottles, my guess is that there a lot of places re-branding this one bad unit with the red sealing surface inside so check the pictures....
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After reading the low star ratings, I was hesitant in ordering this. But I decided to give it a try. When I received it, I tried it out going against the suggestions about freezing the bottles. The propane leaked and did not fill the bottle at all. I thought "Son of a crap, it's not going to work." But after putting the bottles in the freezer for a couple of hours and trying it again, it worked better than expected. I had the source tank upside down and it caused the neck of the disposable to bend a little because of the fast temperature change and the weight of the propane going into the bottle pulling it down. (That's my guess why) So next time I will try laying the source tank on its side. That will also help keep any particles that were in the source tank from going in.Best Deals on Propane Tank Refill Adapter EZ Coupler
Great product but make sure u know how to use it. Watch youtube video for directions on how to use.Honest reviews on Propane Tank Refill Adapter EZ Coupler
This little adapter screws on the big 20 lb tank and then those little 1 lb tanks screw into it. Within 45 seconds, you've got a refilled 1 lb tank.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Propane Tank Refill Adapter EZ Coupler
I have been using these couplers for years. I gave my first one to a friend and ordered this one for myself. They are so handy and easy to use. Just screw it on, tip the 20# tank upside down, open the valve for a minute and it's full. It gives you the small propane refilled, almost for free.
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