Home & Garden Blog » Kitchen

Dishwashers can eat up your water supply if you aren’t careful. Even some of the “economy” styled dishwashers are so monstrous that they take on more water than you’d like! While hand washing and air drying dishes is always the most thrifty and water-economical way to do the dishes, people with big families know that hand dish-washing would be an hourly affair.

Before you start blaming all the problems on the dishwasher, though, take a look at your family’s habits: do you use only reusable cutlery, or do you end up using paper plates and cutlery at the big family parties? Do you use a three different knives to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Do you drink a glass of water and immediately put it in the dishwasher? Think about how you can reuse cutlery before you start looking at the stuffed dishwasher in shame. Sometimes little steps can make all the difference. But if you want to invest in an appliance that will be water-economical and eco-friendly, here are some top products on the market:

Automatic Undercounter Dishwasher, 30 Racks/Hr, Built-In Booster, Energy Star: $3,145.80

Jackson Undercounter, Low Temp, Energy Star Dishwasher: $3,099

Shop for more eco-friendly dishwashers and other eco-friendly appliances.

This is the cleanest that a kitchen can get during food preparation. The new All-in-One Kitchen Sink is perfect for you love to cook but hate cleaning up afterward. This new revolutionary sink, designed by cook Ulrich Koberstein’s team of professional chefs and Kohler, contains a sliding two-in-one serving tray and cutting board. It even has a third benefit as counter space when you’re not using the sink. Not only is it practical but it is aesthetically pleasing.

You no longer have to run around your kitchen as you cut, rinse, chop, etc. Once you gather your ingredients, you’re ready to cook with ease. Its accessories will make you want to try new things! The white dishes are practical and its got a place to keep your knives and necessary tools.

It’s got a place for everything and makes it easier for you to keep everything in its place. In fact, the design idea was centered upon the french idea ”mise en place,” which means “everything in place.”

It’s definitely a great addition to a modern-style kitchen. However, if you don’t really cook that often–it’s not really as sleek and tidy as other just-for-looks sinks out there. So if you are the family chef, this new design was made for you.

Shop for sinks at Smarter.com.

Need more kitchen top space? Living in a shack like me? Ha! Well actually my place is rather sweet but yes very small. And the kitchen is a joke, there is literally one counter and its the size of an ironing board.

Which is why I have been looking into rolling kitchen carts to add more counter top space. Check out this great deal at Bellacor, a Stainless Steel Top Kitchen Cart with Breakfast Bar!

Here is what I like about this feller:

• its attractive
• the stainless steel top is easy to clean and non-porous like wood so my germ-a-phobe mind thinks it’s much cleaner
•  solid wood base in natural finish with brushed steel hardware
• 3 separate storage areas with raised panel doors and adjustable shelves
• 2 utility drawers
• towel bar (also holds paper towels)
• kitchen tool caddy

Now if that isn’t perfect I don’t know what is…

Regular Price $577

Sale Price $557

You Save $20

If you are interested in purchasing the Stainless Steel Top Kitchen Cart with Breakfast Bar, click here!

Let’s face it, the holidays are so exciting and yet sooo nerve wracking at the same time, aren’t they!?! These stunning terra cotta bowls from BLAIR can save anyone cooking a full Thanksgiving feast a lot of stress!

Terra cotta is famous for it’s ability to retain heat. Perfect for keeping your squash, mashers or applesauce warm while you set the table! These festive, primitive decor items are fully functional and a beautiful addition to your holiday table. Go straight from your counter top, to the oven or microwave, to your table! Phew! I know I’m wiping my brow in relief! Easy, tasteful, functional decor at your fingertips! Oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, they measure 3 inches in height by 10 inches in width. Each holds a generous 6-cup capacity AND at just $19.99 (on clearance) you need to get them NOW! They will not last long at this price!

I’m going to buy mine now… please comment on whether you do, too! This is MY VERY FIRST article for Smarter.com and I’d LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear from you all! Happy Harvest!!

My all time favorite meal growing up is corn beef and cabbage! Now I know you naturally assume that I may be Irish, but I am actually Filipino! My dad would pressure cook the corn beef until it was moist and juicy. I fondly recall eagerly awaiting the sound of the whistle, which indicated that enough pressure had built up and the corn beef brisket was ready for prepping.

The strange part is I had no idea that “pressure cooking” was a delicate art. My friend and I tried using her mom’s pressure cooker and we nearly created an atom bomb packed with potatoes and beef. I mistakenly assumed that the whistling meant not only that the meat was ready for consumption but also served as an outlet for the steam. I had no idea that you had to take a wooden spoon and prop the valve open until all the steam was released. Opening at that point was both dangerous and messy! Luckily for my friend and I her mom came into the kitchen and asked whether we had released all the steam. Potatoes and Beef Bomb Crisis averted, whew!

My suggestion is having someone who knows what they are doing come over and show you how to use it once, then have at it! Nothing compares to the moisture and softness that is derived from using a pressure cooker.

I did some browsing and think that the Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker offered by JR.com is a great deal! It cooks 3 to 10 times faster than ordinary cooking methods, has a stainless steel body and bi-metal clad base. To avoid my previously mentioned possible disaster, this pressure cooker has a cover lock indicator that shows at a glance if there is pressure inside the cooker. The bi-metal base provides fast and even heat distribution, while the stainless steel body provides lasting beauty and easy cleaning.

Price $49.99

If you are interested in shopping for the Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker, click here.

Want to keep bargain shopping for other low priced cookware, click here.  

There is no reason you should LOOK like hell as you slave over this year’s Thanksgiving feast!

Make yourself look the best when you put on our Jessie Steele Pink Paris apron in your kitchen. The simple and elegant design makes it suitable for any occation other than cooking. The apron features two convenient front pockets and a wavy bottom edge.

Price $32.95

If you like what you see and want to look pretty in pink this Thanksgiving, click here!  

The way I see it Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means Thanksgiving leftovers.

We might as well approach this dilemma pro actively, if you do not already own a food storage set then check out this great deal on Lock & Lock 16 piece Airtight Storage Set from JCPenney.

You can store anything you want in these air tight compartments! Food, liquids, home office supplies, crafts, sewing supplies .. yadda yadda yadda.

They are made of high grade durable plastic, are ergonomically designed with a special silicone ring that works to keep your items fresh and secure. You can stack them for clutter free storage in your fridge or pantry and patented 4 hinge locking system keeps food fresher longer.

Originally $39.99 Now $19.99 

If you are interested in checking out the Lock & Lock 16pc. Airtight Storage Set, click here.

Check out more discount food storage options, click here.

Well when my friend invited me to her fondue party I was reluctant at first. The idea of sitting around waiting for tiny pieces of meat to cook didn’t really appeal to me. Not so much with the patience am I.

Turns out the whole shindig was a blast! Great times, gives people an opportunity to get tipsy and talk. She had all the prep work ready. Chopped pieces of raw meat and chicken, assorted delicious sauces to dip them in when they were done cooking and she even had a dessert fondue set up. What I learned was that you need to add some oil to the chocolate as it melts to prevent it from sticking to the pot and so it remains fluid and not cake up and turn into a molten rock! The whole affair was very pleasant and quite delicious. Now I want one, a fondue set that is.

So here are some options I am debating on, what do you think?

Williams Sonoma - All Clad Stainless Steel Fondue Set

“Manufactured with an aluminum core for efficient, uniform heating, this gleaming 18/10 stainless steel pot comes with a ceramic insert that makes it ideal for both savory and sweet fondues. Remove the insert when cooking meat fondues in oil; leave it in place for melting chocolate and cheese without scorching. The sturdy tripod stand holds the sterno burner and provides stability. Six color-coded stainless steel forks are included. The stainless steel lid has slots that hold the forks upright so foods are spaced evenly around the pot for uniform cooking.” (Source: Williams Sonoma)

Price $149.95

Kitchen Universe - Swissmar Montblanc Red Fondue Sets - 15 piece

“Classy cast iron meat fondue set includes red square pot, spatter guard, rechaud with wood base, four black ceramic dipping dishes, six meat fondue forks, and dual function burner. ” (Source: KitchenU.com)

Price $89.95

Lausanne Copper (3 in 1) Swissmar Fondue Set - KlinQ.com

“Swissmar fondue pots are the ultimate in quality and workmanship. This beautiful copper and stainless steel multi purpose fondue set has a ceramic insert that acts as a double boiler, so you can use one fondue set for 3 different types of fondue - meat, cheese and chocolate.” (Source: KlinQ.com)

Price $99.95

Stainless Steel Meat Fondue Set - KlinQ.com

This stylish 11 pc. fondue set for 6 includes the following pieces:

1 stainless steel meat fondue pot
1 stainless steel fork guide
1 heavy duty matte black metal stand
1 black metal tray
6 stainless steel fondue forks with color coded tips

Price $24.95

(Hmm, this one makes me wonder why it’s so cheap?)

So what do you guys think? Which one should I get? What would you get?  - Michelle

Get a grip on clutter. Store your food, liquids, home office supplies, craft & sewing hardware supplies, infant care and elder care items and every kind of knick-knack imaginable in Lock & Lock from JC Penney!

Made of high grade durable plastic, these stackable, multi-use containers are ergonomically designed with a special silicone sealing ring that works to keep your items fresh and secure. Patented 4-hinge locking system keeps food fresher longer. Airtight and watertight seals.

Best part is originally sold for $39.99 it is now currently available for $19.99!  

If you are interested in the 16 piece food storage Lock & Lock Storage Set, click here.

The shower scene from Hitchcock’s classic “Psycho” is arguably one of the most famous cinematic scenes in movie history.

Plus let me tell you the whole thing still gives me the hibby jeevies, shudders. Well as luck would have it I caught the classic flick on cable last night, and it inspired me to post about .. KNIVES!

Maybe it’s the chill in the air, or the foilage turning but I am in a morbid mood so shopping for killer cutlery suits my needs perfectly.

Here are some awesome killer knives:

1. Henckels Four Star 8 inch Wide Chef’s Knife

Knives should be affordable and durable, well with a brand like Henckels you know you are buying quality. Instead of buying a bunch of cheaper less quality knife you should really consider investing in quality killer kitchen knives like Henckels Chef’ Knife. You really do end up saving money in the long run, plus it is exactly the type of blade I would reach for if I ever hear a strange noise in the middle of the night!

Compare prices but the lowest price is from Abes of Maine for $79.00

Click on the image or link to purchase the Henckels Chef Knife!

2. Global 11 inch Heavy Weight Forged Chef’s Knife

Global knives are manufactured by Yoshikin in Niigata, Japan. Designed in 1985 by Komin Yamada. Global knives singular edge and balance makes them unique and ones of the best in the world.

I personally like the durability and aesthetic of a single sharpened piece of cutlery. Seems very refined, sharp and clean. Plus let’s face it, Japan is renowned for their high standards and razor sharp cutlery.

Price $141.95

If your interested in purchasing the Global Heavy Duty Chef Knife, click here or above.

Now go out there and buy your killer knives!