Bodum Chocolatiere Glass Hot Chocolate Maker/Frother Review

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(More customer reviews)This product was nice while it lasted, but that was less than 2 months. I purchased mine the week after Thanksgiving and used it a few times a week. I always washed it by hand, even though the instructions state that it's dishwasher-safe. However, after about 6 weeks, the plastic piece at the end of the mixing rod cracked in half and fell off, which rendered the product useless since that piece holds the propeller in place.
I e-mailed Bodum's customer service department, explained the problem, and asked them to replace the broken piece. They responded that the piece I needed would not be available for 4-6 weeks. I then told them that I had really enjoyed the product and did not want to be without my newly purchased hot chocolate maker for a month or longer in the middle of winter, when I use it the most, and asked that they send me a whole new Chocolatiere since they could not promptly replace the part that would make mine functional again. They refused, without further apology or explanation. I do not recommend this product (or any Bodum product, due to the poor service they provided).
Now that I cannot use my Chocolatiere, I tried what another reviewer recommended -- a whisk. It works just as well, at a fraction of the cost (and much less to clean). Just microwave the milk in a Pyrex measuring cup with spout, whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar, and pour into a drinking mug! Wish I had thought of that before I shelled out $30.

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Breville SK500XL Ikon Cordless 1.7-Liter Stainless-Steel Electric Kettle Review

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(More customer reviews)We've had ours for one month after the cheapo plastic one died. I investigated multiple other high-end electric kettles, including Cuisinart, Chef' Choice, Krups, Braun by reading reviews on-line and comparing them @ the local bricks & mortar stores. The Breville is clearly the best designed one for the money.
Pros:
- clean, beautiful design which is also easier to clean.
- hefty, substantial base unit with place to wrap around the cord
- boils quickly in 4 min. for full 1.5 L
- more substantial kettle than more expensive models by Chef's Choice or Cuisinart. The Chef's Tools electric kettle @ the same price point looked flimsier. In fact, the floor model Chef's Choice kettle was no longer closing or opening its lid properly-- always a bad sign when a floor model falls apart.
- modest yet easily audible "ping" sound when the water has come to a boil, and the kettle shuts off automatically.
- the outlet is easy to pull due to the hollow center design
Cons:
- heavy kettle.
- occasionally, there's a metallic taste in reboiled water if the water was left inside the kettle for several hours. However, the water tastes fine if you boil a pot from freshly filled water.
Overall, clearly the pros outweigh the cons. We're heavy users of the electric kettle, especially in the winter, boiling water for teas, soups at least 4-5x per day. We'll report back again in a yr after the warranty expires.
UPDATE > 1 yr after post (4/6/08): The Breville Ikon is still going strong. The water seems to be taking a slightly longer time to boil. We still use it 3-4 times per day, and it works well.

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Equipped with a 1500-watt immersed heating element, this electric kettle quickly brings up to 1-2/3 liters of water to a rolling boil. To use, simply fill the kettle using the LED-illuminated water-level indicator to gauge how much, return it to its power base, and flip the switch to the "on" position. In about two minutes, hot water will be ready for anything from tea, instant coffee, and hot cocoa to instant soup or oatmeal. The kettle lifts off its power base for graceful serving without the hassle of a cord and can be returned at any angle. Other highlights include a cushion-controlled lid that opens with the press of a button, a viewing window in the lid, a "ready" bell indicator, a removable scale filter, a soft-grip open-style handle, and convenient cord storage. For safety, the kettle automatically shuts off when water reaches a full boil, and its boil-dry protection won't allow the unit to operate without water inside. Housed in premium-quality brushed stainless steel, the kettle measures 8-3/4 by 6 by 9 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Adagio Teas Glass Teapot Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Adagio really got it right.
First of all, the photo doesn't quite do it justice, I think - this is a nice, simple, yet elegant teapot. Very pretty.
The infuser makes it a piece of cake to enjoy loose leaf teas (which are generally much better than most of the bagged stuff out there). The infuser comes out, and it easy to clean. Also, because the teapot is glass and the infuser is removable, this teapot is ideal for blooming teas.
The only part that is hard to clean is the spout. I think a little bottle brush or maybe some pipe cleaners ought to do the trick, though.
Maybe best of all, THIS TEAPOT DOES NOT DRIP!! The spout is designed in such a way that the tea pours and doesn't make a mess! It's wonderful!

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Elegantly simple in design, the Adagio Teas clear glass teapot lets you easily view the color of your tea so that it doesn't get too strong. It comes with alarge metal infuser chamber, which gives your tea plenty of room to unfurl and fully infuse, placing more flavor in each cup, and a clear glass cover. Other features include a stay-cool handle and durable tempered borosilicate glass for years of use. It makes 5 cups (42 ounces/1.2 liters of tea). Not made for stove-top use. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Made in China.

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