Norpro Tortilla Keeper Review

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(More customer reviews)All in all, this is a great little item. I must warn you, though, if you put it in the microwave for the allowable minute or so, make sure to put the lid on upside down.
I put the lid on properly, as any normal person would, and found that once I removed it from the microwave, it had developed a vacuum seal with the main part of the container. I didn't know this is what happened and actually thought at first that it had melted together never to be usable again.
Well, after a while (maybe about ten minutes), the air inside cooled down enough to release the vacuum and I was able to use the container and get to the tortillas that had been imprisoned inside without a fair trial.
I use this often when making Olga-type bread. Unfortunately, it's a little shallow, so doesn't hold too many of those, but for plain flour or corn tortillas, it holds quite a few. I also use this to keep pancakes warm as I'm cooking them up.
In closing, I'd say this was definately worth the money.

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Norpro Ceramic Butter Warmers, Set of 2 Review

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(More customer reviews)The pot is so cute not your standard warmer. I put butter in it and slip it in the microwave for a few seconds and the warmer keeps it nice and hot, if your food cools it will warm it up in a flash. I have looked in stores for a warming pot and could not find any. When I saw these I could not wait to use them. Glad I ordered them!

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Hamilton Beach 33144 Stay-or-Go 4-Quart Slow Cooker, White Review

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(More customer reviews)NOTES: First, the "locking handles for easy transport": the locks are on the body of the slow cooker, so you can't take out the porcelain insert and lock the lid onto it; if you want it locked, you have to take the whole device. Second, I guess mostly because of the rubber gasket on the lid, the cooker creates a tightly sealed cooking compartment, and things cook differently as a result. Liquids don't cook off anywhere near as fast, and the flavors don't cook together quite the same.
PROS: The shape of the oval cooker is perfect. I've gotten a four-pound roast in the little thing. The temperature goes from just-warm to boiling, very versatile. It can go longer without attention because it retains moisture so well.
CONS: Some slow-cooker recipes may need tweaking; the cooking compartment is sealed pretty tightly whether or not the handles are locked (you're not supposed to cook with it sealed, but I do occasionally to concentrate flavors). More seriously, like most removable-insert crockpots, it wastes a lot of heat on the outside - it gets quite hot to the touch and is not efficient for summer use by any means.
Overall, for a small, not-too-expensive crockpot, it's really quite nice! I've now had it for quite a while, and cooked a lot of meals in it. Still works, still cleans up easily, dinner's routinely ready when I get home.

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Easily prepare soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more with this 4-quart oval-shaped slow cooker. The unit's rotary control dial offers three heat settings--low, high, and a convenient keep-warm setting that maintains a perfect serving temperature without overcooking. Designed for at home or on-the-go, the slow cooker includes full-grip metal handles and a locking glass lid with a gasket to keep food secure and ensure spill-resistant travel. The removable stoneware pot doubles as a serving dish, plus it can go in the refrigerator to store leftovers. Both the pot and the lid clean easily by hand or in the dishwasher. The slow cooker measures approximately 19 by 10 by 13 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Crock-Pot SCRBC500-BS Duo Slow-Cooker Server Review

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(More customer reviews)I also have the big sister -- the Rival Smart-Pot Slow Cooker:
Rival SCVP609-SS 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooking Crock Pot Cooker, Stainless Steel
Rival has a habit of making slow cookers that aren't all that slow -- check the Amazon reviews and they are consistent in letting you know these appliances (Rival's, that is) cook at too high of a temperature no matter what the setting. That means your food is done, and sometimes overdone, long before it should be. Grrrrr.
Rival has separated its appliance web sites -- Crock Pots are on their own separate site. Lo and behold, check on cooking tips for their crock pots and you get the following information under "Hints & Tips":
What's the difference between "Low" and "High" cooking?
Both High and Low stabilize at the same temperature, it is just a matter of how long it takes to reach the simmer point. Once food reaches the simmer point, total cook time is dependent on cut and weight of meat to reach the point of maximum flavor and texture potential. (Most dishes can be prepared on either High or Low.)
What are the typical cook times for Crock-Pot? slow cookers?
Typical cook time for Crock-Pot? slow cookers to reach simmer point (209°F):
Low: 7-8 to reach the simmer point
High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point
I can attest to the fact that Rival's slow cookers definitely cook way above 209 degrees! If you see boiling food or liquid, the temp is 212 degrees. Think about it -- that means you're really not slow cooking, you're boiling or stewing and you might disappointed with the end results. With that said, I like this smaller duo version because its capacity in each crock is 2.5 quarts, perfect for the smaller family and very handy to cook a main dish plus a side dish or dessert. Note this is not "programmable" in any sense other than High, Low and Warm settings for each pot. You'll have to watch the clock yourself, but considering the fact that everything cooks faster than you expect, I guess that's pretty much a given.
There are some dishes that work well in the Rival brand of slow cookers and some that turn out to be disasters. You'll probably be able to find out for yourself but in general, stews, soups, sauces, any kind of recipe that calls for long stove top or oven cooking will do well in the Rival -- but it will be ready a few hours sooner than you might think. Vegetables definitely need a much shorter cooking time so I add them about two hours before the end of my estimated meal completion. I've even cooked an apple crisp in the Duo and it turned out well.
To sum up, this Duo is handy for smaller recipes or for two dishes, but the Rivals cook too quickly, so keep that in mind. I gave it 3 stars because I now understand to cook all recipes for a shorter time and the device is very convenient for two smaller recipes at once.

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