Sunday, July 31, 2011

New to Sydney? 5 Top Places to Grab Some Great Bargains

Recently relocated to Sydney or even visiting Sydney for the first time and would like to know of some great places for heavily marked down fashion and home ware stores? This article is designed to help you grab some fantastic bargains when you visit Sydney, Australia.

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1. Direct Factory Outlets (DFO)

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One of the favourite places for Sydney-siders to get bargains and fashion highs. It is located in Homebush (next to Sydney Olympic Park). Trading hours are from 10AM to 6PM daily. The best time to visit DFO is during the week when there is plenty of parking within the complex. It is a good idea to try to avoid shopping at DFO on the weekends as it gets very crowded and parking is quite difficult to source during those periods.

What you will find at DFO:

Lingerie (Bendon, Elle MacPherson and etc) Sporting apparel (Converse, Puma and etc) Fashion chain stores (French Connection, Witchery, Marcs and etc) Home wares (Royal Doulton, Sheridan and etc) Surf brands (Billabong, QuickSilver) Kids Shoes (Nine West, Windsor Smith, Wanted and etc)
2. Red Yard Entertainment Centre (100 Parramatta Road Auburn)

Auburn seems like miles away especially for those who live across the bridge or even those from the Eastern Suburbs. However, it is full of treasures and gems for those die-hard bargainistas. 100 Parramatta Road is a place to go to if you are after anything to do with Sports and the easiest way of getting there is by car via the M4 motorway and exit at Silverwater Road.

This part of Auburn has everything to offer - from apparel to footwear to casual wear and sporting equipment. There's plenty of parking and the following outlets are located within the complex:

Rebel Sports Discount Outlet SportsCo Kathmandu Bendon, Berlei and Bonds Outlet Pumpkin Patch Freddy's Fishing World

The bargains do not just stop inside the Red Yard Entertainment Centre. If you are keen for more gems, some 100 steps will bring you to the following places:

Adidas Factory Outlet - directly across Parramatta Road Nike Factory Outlet - 126 Parramatta Road, which is 2 minutes walk towards the West, from Adidas

These shops often have juicy reductions. For example, Nike often offers specials such as buy one pair of footwear and get the 2nd pair at 50% off.

3. Birkenhead Point

Beautiful Birkenhead Point

This has to be the most picturesque factory outlet ever! Located at the entrance of Iron Cove Bay and situated adjacent to Parramatta River, this is probably one of the few malls that you can get to via boat! Birkenhead Point is almost the same as DFO but a classier version. Designer labels such as Burberry and Allannah Hill have their outlet stores located within this shopping haven. It is worth setting aside a day to shop.

4. Peter's of Kensington

Peter's, Peter's, Peter's. The beauty of with Peter's of Kensington is that they are conveniently located online and at 57 Anzac Parade in Kensington, this store is the place to go to if you are after good quality pots, pans, home wares, bathroom accessories, cutlery, home ware and the list goes on. This is the place to go to for quality home wares such as Circulon and Scanpan.Products are often at least 50% cheaper than your major department stores. If you shop during Peter's sale period, you can find bargains up to 70% off!

5. Market City

Located in the hub of Sydney's Chinatown, Market City is a great place for finding bargains from stores such as Esprit, Mambo, Cue,Marcs and etc. The best days to visit Market City will be between Thursday to Sunday as Paddy's market trades during those days. The shops within the Market City building are all fixed price shops. However, some bargaining can happen at Paddy's (located in the basement of Market City). Most people come here for non-brand name Ugg boots, sheep skin and tonnes of other souvenirs. A fresh fruits and vegetables market is also conveniently located within Paddy's.

New to Sydney? 5 Top Places to Grab Some Great Bargains

Jessie Goh is the editor of Save Money Sydney ([http://www.savemoneysydney.com.au]), a website dedicated to helping tourists and locals beat the high cost of living in Sydney, Australia.

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Be Informed - Non-Stick Pans Pose Danger

I used a non-stick frying pan up until 4 years ago which is when I read a Dr. Mercola article on the dangers of non stick cookware. I had no idea that Teflon or other non-stick coatings were dangerous to health!

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Non-stick cookware has become a norm in our world of ease and convenience, and has been around since 1938. It is actually very hard to find a single frying pan that isn't non-stick in stores.

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Non-stick coatings on cooking pans contain highly poisonous chemical substances and can release very harmful gases and particles when heated during everyday cooking, according to research published by the Environmental Working Group.

What is Dangerous About Teflon and Non-Stick Cookware?

A synthetic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, and known as either PFOA or C8, is used in the manufacture of Teflon and non-stick pans.

When Teflon or nonstick pans are heated, the coating can break apart and release toxic particles and gases. DuPont, the manufacturers of Teflon pans, has released data which shows the temperatures required to release these gases. Their results show that:

Teflon begins to emit gases at around 464°F At 680°F Teflon emits up to 6 toxic gases, including 2 carcinogens, 2 global pollutants, and MFA (a chemical deadly to humans at low doses)

A test published by the Environmental Working Group shows that a Teflon pan can easily be heated to above 720°F in five minutes during the normal process of pre-heating. Teflon and non-stick coatings become more harmful the older and more scratched they become.

The Impact of Teflon and Non-Stick Cookware

Although the long term impact of the chemicals and fumes released from Teflon are not fully understood, we do know that they pose a very real danger to birds, and that they can make humans ill.

'Teflon toxicosis' is a condition that occurs in birds when they are exposed to the gases released from Teflon. Their lungs hemorrhage, causing them to fill up with fluid which leads to suffocation. Bird owners should never use non-stick cookware or Teflon pans.

'Polymer fume fever' is a human reaction to the gases emitted by hot Teflon. Many people experience this condition without realizing it as its symptoms are very similar to influenza. They include fever, chills and nausea. We do not know the long term effects on humans of polymer fume fever or the exposure to Teflon coatings.

Dr. Mercola mentions that other unrelated studies have also found evidence of birth defects in babies from PFOA-exposed workers. In 1981, 2 out of 7 women who worked at a non-stick coating plant gave birth to babies with birth defects. He also mentions that Teflon may cause infertility.

Alternatives to Teflon and Non-Stick Cookware

Rest assured there are plenty of alternatives to Teflon pans and non-stick cookware, and they'll probably cook your food more effectively too.

A non-stick alternative to Teflon pans is ceramic cookware (Mercola.com has a good brand) which are inert, will last a lifetime, and can easily be washed in the dishwasher. Glass and stainless steel are great alternatives, which are all safe to use.

To your health,

Kim Duess

You Be Healthy

References:

ewg.org/node/8296

articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/3/6/non-stick-cookware-continues-to-prove-its-toxicity.aspx

Be Informed - Non-Stick Pans Pose Danger

Kim Duess is a proactive health guru and is passionate about natural health. She is the founder of http://You-Be-Healthy.com and Epic Nutrients and MightyOmega.

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Becoming a Better Cook - The Dos and Don'ts

Whether you're passionate about food and want to be able to cook it for yourself or feel there's room for improvement in your culinary expertise, here are our 'Dos and Don'ts of cooking' to help you become a master in the kitchen.

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The Dos...

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Do use quality fresh ingredients - Ever wondered about the difference in quality between restaurants. The quality of the chef or cook is one obvious factor, but perhaps the biggest one is the quality of the food. It may be more expensive, but once you know the best cuts of meat and the finest vegetables, your dishes will come alive with flavour.

Do invest in good cookware - If you're tired of an oven that doesn't do its job properly or a pan that's uneven, you'll be staggered by the improvement you'll see when using new quality equipment. The better the quality the longer it'll last, too. Check out which cookware the expert chefs use - they know quality when they see it.

Do look out for new recipes - The best way to become enthusiastic about cooking is to introduce variety. Buy recipe books, search the web and check for recipes in newspapers and magazines. You may find a simple idea to inspire a whole new dish, or find a step-by-step guide to help you gain confidence.

Do get to know your cooker well - Unfortunately, over time cookers can become a little unreliable and the temperature it says it's cooking at might not be the truth. It can lead to meats not cooking through or waiting twice as long to have your Sunday roast. The better you know your oven's performance - however inaccurate - the better you can judge cooking times.

Do ask those around you for advice and tips - Remember those lovely Sunday dinners your mum used to make? Chances are she didn't start off being able to make them like that, or even if she did, there's a chance one or two elements of it - such as gravy or the vegetables - didn't go to plan. Take in all the wisdom you can get from people with experience.

The Don'ts

Don't get too ambitious to begin with - There's nothing worse than being a novice at something you want to be good at, but it's best to take your time rather than rush. Don't take on complicated dishes; master the basics first and then move on to more experimental meals.

Don't worry if your dishes don't work out - You're just starting out - or at the very least you've acknowledged room for improvement - so it's only natural that it's going to take time to get to where you want to be. Have a back up plan if you're really hungry, but don't get discouraged and try again soon.

Don't make the same mistakes next time - Repeating your mistakes will no doubt leave you bewildered and disappointed, which isn't going to keep you enthusiastic about cooking. Maybe the temperature was wrong, maybe you added too much salt...etc. Whatever the reason, don't hide from your mistakes - learn from them.

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback - If you're cooking for a loved one, tell them to offer constructive feedback. Find out what they like and what they don't like and use it to decide how to improve the dish. If you are afraid, you'll be going round in circles.

Don't make it all about work - Cooking is meant to be fun, so if you're stressed or worried about what you're doing, then you're doing it wrong. If you're not enjoying it, take a break and ask someone else to cook for a change.

Now you're on your way to becoming a better cook, why not get the cookware set to take you to the next level?

Becoming a Better Cook - The Dos and Don'ts

KitchenwareXpress.co.uk has a wide range to choose, including Anolon Cookware, Circulon Cookware and many other top of the line kitchen cookware ranges.

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Friday, July 29, 2011

Are There Any Advantages Or Disadvantages to Using Copper Cookware

When you start to look at various different types of cookware for your kitchen there is no doubt you will at some stage come across copper cookware. There are so many manufacturers making quality cookware from this material that it is unavoidable no matter if you are shopping in your local store or looking at many of their cooking websites online.

You simply have to watch any of the TV programs that are demonstrating cooking and you will find that many of their professional and amateur chefs will use this type of cookware in the cooking process. Like everything else there are advantages and disadvantages to this particular type of product. You will find that manufactures will mix in other material with the copper like stainless steel, nickel and tin to help in the cooking process and for other reasons which we will explain in a moment.

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Copper is a fantastic material for heat conductivity and can help to cook food quickly and more evenly. So let's take a quick look at some of the features, benefits and possibly some of the disadvantages to.

Advantages

I'm sure you are well aware that many of the high-end manufacturers are making cookware made from copper. Some of them prefer using this simply because it uses malleable and ductile metal. It's also very functional compared to using other materials like stainless steel, aluminium and glass.

It can heat up very quickly and one of the best advantages is that it heats up evenly across the base to give them more even heat so that you are cooking food evenly. Because of this effectiveness on heat distribution you get less burn spots on the bottom compared to other types of materials.

It can easily be cleaned and maintaining it is not really that difficult. Have you ever been in a kitchen where you see copper cookware and they have that beautiful shiny look - personally I think this looks amazing and is something we all strive to do to help maintain the investment that purchasing copper cookware can be. You will also find that many people prefer copper that looks aged and scratched and to be honest this can also look at amazing depending on the type of kitchen is in. You really have to decide whether this is advantage or disadvantage or as my mother used to say a feature.

Disadvantages

There are many great and fantastic aspects of owning copper cookware. However, there are always some negativities expressed by amateur and professional cooks. One of these is it can easily get scratched and this is why you'll find many manufacturers mixing in other types of material to help reduce this. I suppose it depends on your perspective some people do not like a material that scratches easily and some people think that this is a feature.

As I'm sure you are also aware once you start to heat up copper color and appearance can change. Again I'm not sure if this is a disadvantage but it is definitely something that you should be aware of if you have not used them before. Some people particularly like saying that there beautiful copper color change from Orange, purple and dark pink.

You'll still find many top professionals using cookware that is made from copper (and mixed with other materials) you will find that many high-end cookware is made from this and you will sometimes find this reflected in the price because they offer quality and something that will last a long time. I think making a decision on purchasing copper cookware is an investment for your household and is definitely something that will last for many years to come.

Are There Any Advantages Or Disadvantages to Using Copper Cookware

Elaine Smith is a freelance author for Cookware Help a guide to cookware and a resource for Stainless Steel Cookware and more.

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Thursday, July 28, 2011

10 Things That Can Ruin Christmas Dinner

Whether this will be the first Christmas lunch you've cooked or the 31st, making sure everything goes to plan depends on a number of factors. Here are 10 things that can influence how well your kitchen dinner comes out.

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1. A lack of forward planning can have a big impact on your meal, so make sure you know exactly what steps you're going to take and the timings of everything before you start.

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2. Not doing a practise run can be foolish, especially if this is your first time cooking Christmas dinner. Try it out on a loved one first and ask for feedback.

3. Using inadequate ingredients can have a major impact on the meal, as it won't do your cooking justice. Shop around and make sure you go for quality.

4. If you are a first-timer, not asking your friends or family for advice can be a big mistake. Mothers, for instance, often have many years of Christmas dinner experience and knowledge to pass on.

5. Don't be too ambitious if you're new to cooking. The key to a great Christmas lunch is getting the basics right. Make sure the turkey and potatoes are perfect and the rest should fall into place.

6. People don't enjoy themselves in the kitchen invariably don't produce great dishes. By loving food and the process of cooking, you have a much better chance of delivering a perfect meal.

7. One of the biggest mistakes made is not giving yourself enough time on the day. Christmas morning, in particular, can be very busy, so you may want to cook the turkey the night before and buy yourself some time on the day.

8. Family is what Christmas is all about, but if they're getting under your feet while you're preparing dinner, it can cause chaos and ruin the food. During the busiest portion of the day, consider asking them all to clear off to the pub or for a festive walk - anything to give yourself the freedom to get things done.

9. Alternatively, many people find that one of the reasons why things don't go to plan is because they try and take on too much and don't ask for help. Whether you're asking someone to carve the bird, peel potatoes or prepare dessert, it may help you in the end.

10. Finally, one of the most influential aspects of any meal is the cookwear set you use. If it's rust, bent out of shape or generally quite old, it could have a negative impact on the meal. For instance, it may mislead you regarding cooking times or even cook things unevenly. Investing in top quality equipment, such as stainless steel cookwear, could help you to create the perfect meal.

If you need a new cookware set, make sure you go for quality. Anolon, Meyer or Circulon cookware all represent great products which could help you on the day and in the future.

10 Things That Can Ruin Christmas Dinner

Kitchenwarexpress.co.uk has a wide range of products to help your cooking experience an enjoyable one, so you're bound to find the right for your kitchen. They have numerous great brands, including Circulon, Prestige, and Anolon cookwear, with some fantastic products, like stainless steel cookwear.

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

What Kitchenware Do You Really Need?

Kitchenware can be used to describe all the items that you'll need for cooking.  These range from food preparation and serving tools, like knives and spatulas, to pressure cookers, saucepans and cutlery. If you're looking at getting rid of your worn out saucepans, or a wok that is past its best, then you'll want to replace them with something better and more appropriate.  You might want some different sorts of pans to either save time, or more pans so that you can cook more vegetables to go with your healthy meals. 

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If you're moving into your first home, then you might be able to beg and borrow the essential pots and pans you'll need.  You might, however, want your own brand new kitchenware.  You might decide that you'll buy pots and pans as you need them, rather then all in one go.  There's no point buying pans and electrical items you'll never need or use.  Alternatively, you might be on the look out for a great value starter pack, which will contain all the items you need so that you can start cooking for yourself.  

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If you're a student, then you might be looking for a hard wearing durable kitchenware set, that's also easy to clean.  Depending on how keen you are on cooking, you might prefer a set with lots of pans in, so that you don't need to wash up as often!  Being able to cook is a good skill, and possibly even more valuable at university!

Whether you're starting from scratch as a student, or buying bigger pans so that you can cook for the whole family, you'll need to make sure that you also have the right cookware.  There's no point in spending a fortune on baking trays or a pressure cooker, if you never use them.  Similarly, there's no point in scrimping on the kitchenware you know you'll use the most.

As well as the pots and pans, and plates and cutlery, you'll need to make sure that you have a toaster and a kettle too.  Even if you're not a big fan of toast, it's quick and easy to make, and something as simple as beans on toast is a fairly nutritious meal.  If you're not a tea or coffee drinker, you can use the kettle to make soup in a cup, or even for heating water to boil eggs or potatoes.  Also, just because you don't drink hot drinks, doesn't mean that your friends won't!

If you've been cooking for a while, and have either outgrown your current kitchenware, or want to try different sorts of pots and pans, you might know exactly what sort you want.  You may have tried cooking in other people's kitchens, or know the shortcomings of your current cookware.  Perhaps you need fewer, but better quality pans, or a roaster, or more cutlery.

Like with most things, with cookware you get what you pay for.  It might be tempting to buy cheap kitchenware, but it's not likely to last as long or give you the same sort of results that better pots and pans can.  Better kitchenware will heat up quicker, and be easier to clean and look after.  Knowing some of the leading brand names and why they are so popular will help you to decide whether spending more is worth it to you.

Having the right sort of kitchenware will make it easier for you to prepare meals, and so you're more likely to cook.  By cooking more often you'll improve, and so you'll enjoy it more, and so will your family and friends.  If you're looking to save money on takeaway food, and microwave meals, why not treat yourself to some cookware, and learn to cook your favourite meals for yourself?

What Kitchenware Do You Really Need?

If you're looking for new Pots and Pans, and other Kitchen Equipment for your home, or a Student Kitchen Pack then why not see the great ranges offered by KitchenwareExpress.co.uk. With all the leading kitchenware brands such as Prestige, Analon, Circulon and more, you're bound to find exactly what you need to help you cook amazing meals.

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

10 Tips to Become a Better Cook

If you're new to cooking, then you'll probably be watching all the cookery programmes you can, asking others for advice and trying to learn more about how you can get better. If you're more experienced, then perhaps you're stuck in a rut, cooking the same things all the time. Here's how you can progress and be a better cook.

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Here are some tips.

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1. It's important that you use good quality fresh ingredients. Whatever you cook, will taste better if you use nice fresh ingredients. Why not get your fruit form a greengrocers, and your meat from a butcher? It might be a bit more expensive, but it'll definitely be worth it and you'll learn which vegetables, and which cuts of meat will be best for the dish you're cooking.

2. Good cookware is a worthwhile investment. You'll soon notice that your food cooks more evenly, cooks quicker and tastes better too. It will last for many years and be easy to clean. Remember, that if it's good enough to be used by a world famous chef in their kitchen, it's probably good enough for your kitchen!

3. Try not to get too ambitious too quickly. You'll want to be able to cook the basics first, before you try and create delicate masterpieces, or 5 course meals for a dinner party

4. Constantly be on the look out for recipes that you might like. As well as recipe books, why not see if there are any in your daily newspaper, monthly magazines or on the websites you visit. You're also likely to find dedicated recipe sites which can give you some ideas if you're stuck.

5. It's a good idea to get to know your cooker well. Some recipes will make allowances for fan assisted ovens, or for gas ovens. You'll need to learn whether your cooker is actually at the temperature it says it's at.

6. It's not the end of the world if your dishes don't turn out quite as you'd hoped. At least you tried. You might be able to salvage the meal, or maybe you'll make something else instead.

7. If things don't go according to plan, you'll want to be able to learn from your mistakes. Perhaps your oven wasn't at the right temperature. Perhaps one part was ready too soon, or maybe you forgot to put the oven on. Whatever went wrong, as long as you can learn from it, it's not wasted.

8. You might want to learn from others. Perhaps you'll ask friends and relatives about their favourite recipes, or what size pans they use. You'll be able to use their experience to help you become a better cook.

9. If you're stuck for ideas, why not as other people to help you? Ask your family what they'd like to eat, or what they'd like you to be able to cook, and see if you can do it.

10. Above all, cooking should be fun. If you're not enjoying it, then why not take a break, and see if you can get some inspiration from somewhere else, or ask someone else to do the cooking for a change?

Now you know how you can be a better cook, what's stopping you from putting on your apron?

10 Tips to Become a Better Cook

If you need inspiration, or new kitchen cookware, you'll find everything you need at KitchenwareXpress.co.uk. From full sets of Anolon Cookware and Circulon Pans to pressure cookers and cutlery, Kitchenware Express has what you need. Why not see what else can make your cooking better? Remember, if you spend time in the kitchen, you should spend time at Kitchenware Express too.

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Monday, July 25, 2011

Circulon Elite Cookware is the Elite

One of my passions is cooking and as a professional cook I find this set to be one of the best I have used, as well as home cooking.

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The consideration why Circulon was my first choice are as fellow.

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Price - It's a bit expensive, but, compared to other professional cookware (i.e. All Clad, Calphalon, Kitchen Aid...) it really does stand up to these more expensive cookware lines! I did find a great price for my 10 pc set at homeconnectiondirect.com so for me it was not an issue.

The distribution of heat is very impressive. Especially for cooking sauce your chances to burn food using this cookware is slim to none. Circulon does not lie when they say there is even heating..

Sleek stainless steel handles Elegantly designed cast stainless steel handles are riveted permanently to the pan or lid for maximum stability and durability. And with soft silicone Comfort Grips, they really do stay cool for a touch even when it's being used for a long time. No need for a potholder to lift the pan up.

The look steel rims encircle break-resistant glass lids, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and practicality. Allow you to watch foods cook without losing flavor and nutrients. The sleek style and look of these pots make them a great addition to your kitchen. My pots receive many compliments from friends and family who see them for the first time. The fun look makes it fun to use!

Cleanup is never a chore. The unique nonstick exterior means easy clean

Finally,

That is why."I give Circulon" a 5 star rating. You will not regret buying them.

Circulon Elite Cookware is the Elite

http://www.homeconnectiondirect.com

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Circulon "Infinite" Cookware!

I unquestionably love Circulon Infinite cookware! It does all the things that's warranted, and goes into the dishwasher too!

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It is usable on several types of stove tops including the induction type cook tops, Circulon produces the best nonstick product on the market and this set is no exception Usually with every nonstick product, the cookware should be hand washed only. This is the first set that is dishwasher safe.

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I am spoiled rotten by so many other Circulon pots and pans that I have used over the years. And again, the pots work great.My sister has the Elite line, my mom Circulon 2, and my grandma the Classic which have the silicone handles.No sticking, pretty easy to clean... excellent quality you would come to expect from Circulon cookware.

This is a "MUST HAVE" cookware set for your kitchen. It's a very high quality and durable set your food will cook evenly,When you Have this perfection in your cookware you will even use less butter and oil because the nonstick substance its extraordinarily fabulous! Which in the end results in healthy eating habits and a love for cooking once again.

Calphalon cookware can't hold a candle to Circulon cookware For example, I've had a couple Calphalon frying pans for more than a year now. I tend not to use them because their non-stick properties are lacking--so much so that making eggs "over-easy" is almost impossible.

"Infinite" cookware pieces have a flat bottom, which allows them to sit securely on my burners, and I never have a problem with food sticking to them. These pans have stainless steel bottoms for even heating can go into the oven up to 500 degrees and are dishwasher safe they clean up in just minutes if you wash them at the sink.

The Circulon cookware is the best hands down for induction cook tops. It heats remarkably even all across the bottom. Well made set of pot and pans for every kitchen need. Well engineered handles stay cool and food cooks evenly Other induction cookware have hot spots

The Circulon Infinite cookware is Very well built and I personally my self have found that Amazon has the best prices for this set I looked at a lot of sets and read a lot of evaluations and these ranked the best.They can go in the oven up to 500 degree's I checked them out in person and spent some time at local retail stores handing the cookware and seeing if they would match the price (they didn't).

I obtained a set from Amazon and had my product within two days with their standard shipping. After inspecting my purchase after delivery I found that one of the pots had been damaged during shipping and returned the set with Amazon's painless return system and re-ordered with out any hassles or excuses.

I would have to agree with so many other people about these pot and pans Except a couple of faults that I have found in this product although its nothing major its just that they do take a little longer than a lot of other pans to heat up but they do heat evenly and cook much better than other pans that have so many hot spots you just lose desire to cook with the other so called brands.

Circulon "Infinite" Cookware!

One other fault that I found Circulon cookware is the metal handles tend to get hot closer to the actual pan however I believe that I was using too high of heat that was too close to the handle and would be easily resolved by Altering the temp accordingly Also one other thing that I have found is that the mix sizes are not ideal for every cooking need, so I bought a 1-qt pot and a 4-qt pot separately. That gave me a complete set that will do everything I need to do with out any problems at all.

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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Different Types of Pots and Pans

Pots and pans are the basic essentials for the average kitchen, but before you buy, you might want to consider all of the choices you have to choose the best ones for you and your kitchen. Pots and pans come in different materials like aluminum, anodized aluminum, cast iron, copper, non-stick, and stainless steel.

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Aluminum

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Aluminum pots and pans are usually cheaper than most other kinds of cookware. Aluminum is lightweight but fairly durable and can withstand high temperatures. One drawback is that it reacts with acidic and alkaline foods altering the taste, you can still use aluminum and avoid this problem by using anodized aluminum.

Anodized Aluminum

This type of aluminum cookware has a special coating to prevent the aluminum from reacting with certain foods. It is a great choice to cook with, but the coating can be sensitive. To avoid damaging the coating, do not cook highly acidic and alkaline foods in them, also, hand wash these pots in warm, soapy water instead of putting them in a dishwasher with harsh soaps.

Cast Iron

Cast iron pans are also fairly inexpensive, but can be a little more than aluminum. This type of cookware takes longer to heat up, but once heated, holds the heat well. This makes it ideal for slow cooking and frying. The drawbacks are that it's very sensitive and rusts, stains, and becomes pitted easily. To best care for your cast iron, do not wash it with soap, but run a damp paper towel over it after cooking to clean any excess food off.

Lined Copper

Copper pans are more expensive than most, but conduct heat extremely well. They heat up fast when on the burner and cool down fast when taken away from the heat. Copper pans must be lined with another material, otherwise the copper reacts badly with food making it poisonous and altering the taste. For this reason, copper should be delicately hand washed and relined every few years.

Non-Stick

These pots and pans simple have a special coating that keeps foods from sticking to it. These should not be washed in the dishwasher or with abrasive scrubbers, but gently washed in warm soap and water.

Stainless Steel

This moderately priced material is very durable, but alone, does not conduct heat well at all. For this reason, when shopping for stainless steel, look for pots and pans with a thick layer of copper or aluminum on the bottom for better heat conduction. It is best to wash these in warm soap and water, and these can withstand nylon scrubbers.

These are the main materials that pots and pans come in. And for the adventurous cook, there are other wonderful and exciting types of pots to choose from like crock-pots, stockpots, saucepans, and crab pots to name a few.

Different Types of Pots and Pans

Tania Penwell provides information on pots and pans and other kinds of cookware for Savvy Cooking.

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