Archive for category Reviews

Product Reviews: Soleus Dehumidifier, Compact Microwave Oven, Oster Wine Opener, Emeril Cookware, Merit Fitness Treadmill, Hollywood Bike Racks

Soleus Dehumidifier: No More Muggy Summers

The 40-pint Soleus Air dehumidifier (model CFM-40) removes unwanted moisture from the air to create a more comfortable environment in your home or office. Weighing under 31 pounds, it can be conveniently moved via its bottom caster wheels from room to room within your home and set up in just minutes. Taking advantage of refrigeration technology, the dehumidifier powerfully emoves partial moisture from the air to decrease the humidity level of the room and keep the indoor air dry and comfortable. The Soleus Dehumidifier uses the no CFC refrigerant to protect the environment and to reduce pollution. Since different rooms in your home call for different humidity levels, the unit’s adjustable humidistat offers 3 humidity settings. The magnetic float won’t become stuck with mineral deposits like other mechanical floats, and it provides a more accurate water level reading and prevents overflow. Other features include manual and soft touch control, silent operation, and an automatic shut-off to prevent overflow.

GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike: All Terrain Vehicle

Boasting a full-suspension, extra-strong aluminum frame, the GMC Topkick mountain bike is an ideal choice for both trail riding and rough city riding. The frame employs a floating beam suspension design mated to a Zoom suspension fork with elastomer/spring technology. This gives the bike a smooth, steady performance even on rough terrain. The Topkick’s drivetrain, meanwhile, is outfitted with Microshift push shifters that control Shimano’s tried-and-true TZ-30GS derailleur. The drivetrain also offers a strong aluminum wheel set with a V-shape rim profile and high-flange alloy hubs. And to keep you stopping smoothly in any circumstance, the GMC Topkick Mountain Bike boasts front and rear Promax disc brakes. Disc brakes are vastly superior to rim brakes, especially under adverse road conditions. True to its GMC roots, the Topkick mountain bike is rugged, good looking, and built for the long haul.

Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy Duty 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

Carry heavy loads with confidence with the Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy Duty 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack. With an exclusive dual-positioning trunk/bumper system, the F4 Rack works with a custom fit on most sedans, SUVs, and minivans. With extra-heavy-duty steel tubing and hardware, the rack can carry up to four bikes, and an integrated tie down strap affords extra security for your load. In addition, the rack is equipped with motorcycle tie down buckles and extra side straps to ensure a secure fit for heavy loads. The Hollywood Racks 4 Bike Trunk Rack comes fully pre-assembled and folds flat for easy storage.

Compact Microwave Oven: Lots Of Features

With a 4/5-cubic-foot capacity, this 800-watt compact microwave oven provides ample cooking power and a compact size ideal for an individual or couple. Fifteen automatic settings take the guesswork out of cooking by automatically setting cooking times and power levels, while the oven’s 10-3/4-inch-diameter turntable provides even heating. Defrost settings quickly defrost meats and poultry by weight, four cooking options ensure perfectly cooked popular foods for one or two servings, and six reheat options make it especially easy to heat frequently served foods including beverages, pizza, rolls, and muffins. In addition this compact microwave oven, Minute Plus sets the oven at "high" with a single touch, while a popcorn sensor pops microwave popcorn automatically, regardless of package size or brand. For added convenience, the oven comes with an interior light, auto-touch controls, and an easy-to-read four-digit LCD display.

Emeril Pro-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

Cook with confidence when using this reliable cookware set. Offering a variety of everyday essentials, the 10-piece collection consists of a 10-inch fry pan, a 1-1/2-quart covered sauce pan, a 2-1/2-quart covered sauce pan, a 3-quart covered saute pan, a 6-quart covered Dutch oven, and a steamer insert. The Emeril Cookware fry pan offers a wide base and gently curved sides for flipping food or sliding an omelet or grilled cheese sandwich easily from the pan to a plate; the saucepans come in handy for cooking breakfast oatmeal, heating up soup, or making homemade marinara sauce; and the deep-sided saute pan works well for one-dish meals–start by browning meats or sauteing onions, then add liquid and other ingredients to finish on the stovetop or in the oven.

Oster Wine Opener: Your Friends Will Love You

When gathering with friends, it’s nice to be able to keep the wine flowing without having to retreat to the kitchen to open more bottles. This convenient, portable electric bottle opener can be kept close at hand, wherever the party ends up–in the living room, out on the back deck, or by the pool. The electric bottle opener offers a cordless design and enough power to effortlessly remove the cork from any bottle of wine in seconds. Even more, oster wine opener it can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge–simply attach it to any traditional wine bottle, push the button, and it takes care of the rest. A recharging base comes included. Other highlights include a foil cutter for easily removing seals, a comfortable soft-grip handle, and a sleek modern design that will add a touch of sophistication to any party.

Product Reviews: Oster Wine Opener, Coffee Percolator, French Press, Bicycle Air Horn, Kids Bike, Rowenta Ironing Board

Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener: Portable

When gathering with friends, it’s nice to be able to keep the wine flowing without having to retreat to the kitchen to open more bottles. This convenient, portable electric bottle opener can be kept close at hand, wherever the party ends up–in the living room, out on the back deck, or by the pool. The Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener offers a cordless design and enough power to effortlessly remove the cork from any bottle of wine in seconds. Even more, it can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge–simply attach it to any traditional wine bottle, push the button, and it takes care of the rest. A recharging base comes included. Other highlights include a foil cutter for easily removing seals, a comfortable soft-grip handle, and a sleek modern design that will add a touch of sophistication to any party.

Electric Coffee Percolator: Old Skoolz Style

One of the most comforting sounds in the world is the bubbling of a electric coffee percolator at work. And then comes the toasty aroma–it makes for a perfect morning. Percolators have come back to home kitchens, and the Presto 12-cup stainless steel coffee maker is a prime example. Its elegant, hotel-style design brings a touch of luxury to what is for many a daily pleasure. This Electric Coffee Percolator coffee maker brews up to twelve cups of coffee at a cup-a-minute rate, which it then keeps at a constant, piping-hot serving temperature. An indicator light in the base announces when the coffee is ready. The inner fixtures–the filter basket and perk tube–are also made of stainless steel, rather than the more common (and less durable) aluminum. The power cord is removable to make storage simple.

Bodum French Press: Tasty Indeed

Bodum’s French press makes it easy: coffee, water, wait, enjoy. Simply measure out one rounded tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee per 4-ounce cup, pour in the hot water, wait a few minutes for it to brew, and slowly press down the plunger. Next comes the best part, as you get to enjoy a cup of rich and aromatic coffee. Because of its 8-cup capacity and elegant design, this Bodum French Press is great for dinner parties, where you can now brew your guests’ coffee right at the table. Bodum has been in the coffee business for decades, and the company continues to produce stylish, affordable, and reliable products.

Kids Trike: Fun Times Ahead

Offering a smooth transition from stroller to trike, the brightly colored Kettler Kettrike Air-Navigator kid Tricycle includes a parental control steering system that locks handlebars into place for parental guidance when using the optional pushbar. The Auto-Freewheel allows your child to rest his or her feet on the pedals while you guide them with the pushbar. When your child is ready for a kids trike, a simple on/off switch (located under the Kettler logo on the handlebar stem) unlocks the front steering stem and the Air-Navigator operates as a standard freewheel kids trike. The durable metal frame has an easy step-through design, and it can quickly be adjusted to accommodate your growing child or fit another rider.

Bicycle Air Horn: Blast It

I commute by bicycle daily and got sick and tired of idiots in cars and trucks pulling wild maneuvers in front of me. I’ve only had this bike air horn for 2 days and already avoided a couple of near misses (turned them into wide misses) with it. When cranked to full volume it *really* gets drivers’ attention – even with their windows wound up and Eminem rattling their mirrors! What a fantastic product! Its small, lightweight, and loud. When it runs out of air, a few pumps with my bicycle air horn and its ready to go. It was easy to install and took no more room than a standard water bottle. The bicycle air horn is inconspicuous on my handlebars but is exactly what I need to get the attention of the driver pulling into my lane with their windows closed and radio blaring.

Rowenta Ironing Board: No Wrinkles

An ironing board for the 21st century, Rowenta’s Precision ironing board (model IB6100) is sleekly designed and built to last. Comfortable for right or left handed users, the symmetrical, ergonomically shaped board features a treated metal mesh table surface that resists rust and provides sturdy surface. The sturdy tubular steel legs have non-slip grips, and adjust to 39 inches for ironing while standing or seated. An integrated Rowenta Ironing Board rest on the back end of the board provides a place to rest iron, adding convenience and safety. It comes with a thick, integrated cover made of 100 percent cotton with a thick felt pad for a smooth ironing board surface.

Product Reviews: Lodge Dutch Oven, Oilless Turkey Fryer, Leatherman Surge Tool, Garmin Golf GPS Handheld, Intex Air Bed

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven: An Ideal Size

The Dutch oven measures 12 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep–an ideal size for making a large batch of stew or outdoor casserole. The vessel is also suited for boiling water, making rice, or heating up soup, as its cast-iron material delivers a smooth, consistent temperature without wasting heat. The pan’s esteemed heat retention particularly enhances slow-cooking recipes that call for tender meats and rich, seasoned flavors. As with all of Lodge’s camping cookware, the bottom of the pan includes integral legs for campfire and fireplace cooking. In addition, the flanged lid can hold hot coals or be inverted for use as a griddle, letting campers enjoy their morning flapjacks and sausages. With proper care, Lodge Camp Dutch Oven cast-iron cookware will last a lifetime. Lodge recommends hand washing the oven, which carries a lifetime warranty, with a stiff brush and hot water.

Oilless Turkey Fryer: Foolproof Operation

Whether gathering the family for Thanksgiving dinner or making a variety of meals to freeze for later, this electric turkey fryer delivers foolproof operation and delicious results–and it can be safely used indoors, right from the convenience of the kitchen counter. The appliance accommodates turkeys up to 14 pounds, and it uses a third less oil than conventional turkey fryers, which means less oil wasted and healthier, lower-fat recipes. The oilless turkey fryer also provides a cooking basket, complete with a handy drain clip, that makes it possible to fry up a variety of favorite foods like doughnuts, French fries, onion rings, and more. Its user-friendly control panel consists of a digital timer, a red "power" light, a green "ready" light, and a simple control knob for adjusting the thermostat up to 375 degrees F. Other highlights include a fold-away lid with a viewing window, a built-in filter to reduce cooking odors, a porcelain-coated inner pot with a built-in drain valve for easy cleaning, and a space-saving design that takes up minimal space on the counter.

Leatherman Surge Multi Tool

The Leatherman Surge multitool is built with tough new pliers, longer blades and easy-to-use locks. This multitool features a helpful blade exchanger with the saw and diamond/wood file blades — and with this blade exchanger, two knives and the extra-strong scissors are easily accessed from the outside of the tool. Also, there are four outside-opening blades to give you quick access to the tools you use most. The Surge boasts both large and small bit drivers, and it comes in a leather sheath. With stronger jaws for more squeezing force with less effort, plus Leatherman’s strongest scissors yet, leatherman surge multi tool is sure to make a splash at the work site.

Garmin Golf GPS Handheld: Rugged And Waterproof

Give your game a boost of confidence with Garmin’s Approach G5, a rugged, waterproof, touchscreen golf GPS packed with thousands of pre-loaded golf course maps. Approach uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to measure individual shot distances and show the exact yardage to fairways, hazards, and greens. The Approach displays and updates your exact position on stunningly detailed, preloaded course maps throughout the United States. Click to see Garmin Golf GPS Handheld current Approach G5 course listing. Approach’s highly sensitive GPS receiver pinpoints your position and removes guesswork from your game. And as you move, Approach automatically updates your position, so you’ll always know your yardage. There’s no subscription or setup fees, and Approach is compliant with USGA rules.

Intex Air Bed: Lovely Sleep Time

Designed for comfort and reliability, this Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed offers the convenience of a portable airbed with the comfort of sleeping on a raised platform. Plush, waterproof flocking covers the mattress top, and an indentation on the side helps grip fitted sheets. The bed easily inflates and deflates with a high-powered built-in electric pump. The Intex Air Bed features a dual chamber construction, with the lower chamber functioning as a box spring to provide added firmness and support. It has a 20.8 gauge (.053mm) waterproof flocked top with 15 gauge (0.38mm) vinyl beams and 16 gauge (0.41mm) sides and bottom.

Product Reviews: Oster Opener, Egg Poacher, Floor Steamer, Camelbak Bottle, Lodge Skillet, Compact Microwave

Oster Wine Opener: Let The Good Times Roll

When gathering with friends, it’s nice to be able to keep the wine flowing without having to retreat to the kitchen to open more bottles. This convenient, portable electric bottle opener can be kept close at hand, wherever the party ends up–in the living room, out on the back deck, or by the pool. The electric bottle opener offers a cordless design and enough power to effortlessly remove the cork from any bottle of wine in seconds. Even more, it can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge–simply attach it to any traditional wine bottle, push the button, and it takes care of the rest. A recharging base comes included in this Oster Wine Opener. Other highlights include a foil cutter for easily removing seals, a comfortable soft-grip handle, and a sleek modern design that will add a touch of sophistication to any party.

Toaster Egg Poacher: Yummy Breakfasts

Make delicious egg-and-muffin sandwiches at home in about four minutes with this multi-function toaster. The appliance can toast up to four slices of bread, English muffins, bagels, or croissants, while it simultaneously steam-poaches eggs and warms pre-cooked meat. It can also hard- or soft-boil up to eight eggs at a time thanks to the included egg basket. In addition to heating up pre-cooked meat, the two included meat trays can be used to heat slices of tomato or pineapple to accompany toast or a breakfast sandwich–the options are endless. The Toaster Egg Poacher dual control panel allows for selecting from egg/toast, toast, and egg functions; bagel and defrost settings; and light to dark shade control.

Eureka Floor Steamer: Clean Those Floors Till They Shine!

Designed for use on wood, granite, laminate, marble, and other hard, sealed surfaces, this sleek steamer quickly and effectively sanitizes floors to gleaming perfection. The compact unit’s ingenious steaming technology requires no harsh chemicals, instead harnessing the power of pure steam to loosen and remove even the toughest dirt and grime. Furthermore, its generous 12-1/2-inch cleaning head maneuvers easily into corners and reduces the time it takes to cover even large floor surfaces, while its 25-foot cord allows for hassle-free access all over a home, condo, or apartment. Best of all, the Eureka Floor Steamer weighs only 5-1/2 pounds empty–no more lugging cumbersome wet/dry vacs or mops and buckets around to get the job done.

Camelbak Better Bottle: Free Of Cancer Causing Toxins

The CamelBak Better Bottle represents a new standard of performance and convenience in re-usable water bottles. Available in multiple colors and in three sizes–1 liter, 0.75 liter, and 0.5 liter–this innovative bottle is also BPA- and Phthalate-free. The bottle’s integrated handle makes it easy to carry with the crook of a finger or clip to a backpack with a carabiner. Camelbak Better Bottle Big Bite Valve offers a proven design that contains no moving parts–just bite and sip for easy hydration. The cap fits most other bottles and the Better Bottle attaches to most water filters and fits in most cup holders. It’s dishwasher safe.

Lodge Logic Skillet: Breakfasts That Are Homemade

Pancakes, eggs, and bacon somehow taste extra hearty when cooked in a heavy cast-iron skillet. Cast iron creates superior heat retention, heats evenly, and loves a campfire, unlike flimsier pans. Fry up a mess of catfish, roast a chicken, or bake an apple crisp in this generous 12-inch pan that features two handles for heavy lifting, and two subtle side lips for pouring. While the Lodge Logic Skillet comes preseasoned to prevent food from sticking, it works best when sprayed or lightly coated with vegetable oil before use. Whether used in a kitchen or camp, this virtually indestructible pan should last for generations.

Compact Microwave Oven: Small But Powerful

I purchased this microwave as an addition to my dorm room. I would have liked a high-powered microwave, but restraints on space and money stopped me. For the price and for the size, this microwave works rather well. There are some extra functions, but I just use the regular microwaving. The only thing that I do not like about the microwave is that its internal rotating dish is not very stable, and is prone to shifting off its base with even a slightly unbalanced load. Even so, it was a Compact Microwave Oven worthwhile purchase.

Product Reviews: Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven: Camping Cooking Experience Done Right

When it comes to kitchen product reviews, this Dutch oven measures 12 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep–an ideal size for making a large batch of stew or outdoor casserole. The vessel is also suited for boiling water, making rice, or heating up soup, as its cast-iron material delivers a smooth, consistent temperature without wasting heat. The pan’s esteemed heat retention particularly enhances slow-cooking recipes that call for tender meats and rich, seasoned flavors. As with all of Lodge’s camping cookware, the bottom of the pan includes integral legs for campfire and fireplace cooking. In addition, the flanged lid can hold hot coals or be inverted for use as a griddle, letting campers enjoy their morning flapjacks and sausages. With proper care, Lodge Camp Dutch Oven will last a lifetime. Lodge recommends hand washing the oven, which carries a lifetime warranty, with a stiff brush and hot water.

Product Reviews: Oster Opener, Egg Poacher, Floor Steamer, Camelbak Bottle, Lodge Skillet, Compact Microwave

Oster Wine Opener: Let The Good Times Roll

When gathering with friends, it’s nice to be able to keep the wine flowing without having to retreat to the kitchen to open more bottles. This convenient, portable electric bottle opener can be kept close at hand, wherever the party ends up–in the living room, out on the back deck, or by the pool. The electric bottle opener offers a cordless design and enough power to effortlessly remove the cork from any bottle of wine in seconds. Even more, it can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge–simply attach it to any traditional wine bottle, push the button, and it takes care of the rest. A recharging base comes included in this Oster Wine Opener. Other highlights include a foil cutter for easily removing seals, a comfortable soft-grip handle, and a sleek modern design that will add a touch of sophistication to any party.

Toaster Egg Poacher: Yummy Breakfasts

Make delicious egg-and-muffin sandwiches at home in about four minutes with this multi-function toaster. The appliance can toast up to four slices of bread, English muffins, bagels, or croissants, while it simultaneously steam-poaches eggs and warms pre-cooked meat. It can also hard- or soft-boil up to eight eggs at a time thanks to the included egg basket. In addition to heating up pre-cooked meat, the two included meat trays can be used to heat slices of tomato or pineapple to accompany toast or a breakfast sandwich–the options are endless. The Toaster Egg Poacher dual control panel allows for selecting from egg/toast, toast, and egg functions; bagel and defrost settings; and light to dark shade control.

Eureka Floor Steamer: Clean Those Floors Till They Shine!

Designed for use on wood, granite, laminate, marble, and other hard, sealed surfaces, this sleek steamer quickly and effectively sanitizes floors to gleaming perfection. The compact unit’s ingenious steaming technology requires no harsh chemicals, instead harnessing the power of pure steam to loosen and remove even the toughest dirt and grime. Furthermore, its generous 12-1/2-inch cleaning head maneuvers easily into corners and reduces the time it takes to cover even large floor surfaces, while its 25-foot cord allows for hassle-free access all over a home, condo, or apartment. Best of all, the Eureka Floor Steamer weighs only 5-1/2 pounds empty–no more lugging cumbersome wet/dry vacs or mops and buckets around to get the job done.

Camelbak Better Bottle: Free Of Cancer Causing Toxins

The CamelBak Better Bottle represents a new standard of performance and convenience in re-usable water bottles. Available in multiple colors and in three sizes–1 liter, 0.75 liter, and 0.5 liter–this innovative bottle is also BPA- and Phthalate-free. The bottle’s integrated handle makes it easy to carry with the crook of a finger or clip to a backpack with a carabiner. Camelbak Better Bottle Big Bite Valve offers a proven design that contains no moving parts–just bite and sip for easy hydration. The cap fits most other bottles and the Better Bottle attaches to most water filters and fits in most cup holders. It’s dishwasher safe.

Lodge Logic Skillet: Breakfasts That Are Homemade

Pancakes, eggs, and bacon somehow taste extra hearty when cooked in a heavy cast-iron skillet. Cast iron creates superior heat retention, heats evenly, and loves a campfire, unlike flimsier pans. Fry up a mess of catfish, roast a chicken, or bake an apple crisp in this generous 12-inch pan that features two handles for heavy lifting, and two subtle side lips for pouring. While the Lodge Logic Skillet comes preseasoned to prevent food from sticking, it works best when sprayed or lightly coated with vegetable oil before use. Whether used in a kitchen or camp, this virtually indestructible pan should last for generations.

Compact Microwave Oven: Small But Powerful

I purchased this microwave as an addition to my dorm room. I would have liked a high-powered microwave, but restraints on space and money stopped me. For the price and for the size, this microwave works rather well. There are some extra functions, but I just use the regular microwaving. The only thing that I do not like about the microwave is that its internal rotating dish is not very stable, and is prone to shifting off its base with even a slightly unbalanced load. Even so, it was a Compact Microwave Oven worthwhile purchase.

Product Reviews: Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven: Camping Cooking Experience Done Right

When it comes to kitchen product reviews, this Dutch oven measures 12 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep–an ideal size for making a large batch of stew or outdoor casserole. The vessel is also suited for boiling water, making rice, or heating up soup, as its cast-iron material delivers a smooth, consistent temperature without wasting heat. The pan’s esteemed heat retention particularly enhances slow-cooking recipes that call for tender meats and rich, seasoned flavors. As with all of Lodge’s camping cookware, the bottom of the pan includes integral legs for campfire and fireplace cooking. In addition, the flanged lid can hold hot coals or be inverted for use as a griddle, letting campers enjoy their morning flapjacks and sausages. With proper care, Lodge Camp Dutch Oven will last a lifetime. Lodge recommends hand washing the oven, which carries a lifetime warranty, with a stiff brush and hot water.