How to Pick the Best Vacuum Sealer in Every Price Range

This article, How to Pick the Best Vacuum Sealer in Every Price Range, was first published August, 2017.Did you know a vacuum sealer can save you 1000’s of dollars per year?It’s true. Because vacuum-sealed food lasts longer (whether in the fridge, freezer, or pantry), you save two ways:1) By buying in bulk, and2) By keeping produce, […]

How to Choose a Portable Induction Cooktop (And the Best Ones to Buy)

This article, ​How to Choose a Portable Induction Cooktop (And the Best Ones to Buy), was first published in August, 2017.If you’ve been thinking about getting a portable induction cooker, you’ve probably done a little bit of research. And if you have, there’s a good chance you’re more confused than ever. Portable induction cooktops (PICs for […]

The Vollrath Mirage Pro 59500P: The Ultimate Review of the Ultimate PIC

​”The Vollrath Mirage Pro: The Ultimate Review of the Ultimate PIC,” was first posted August, 2017.A quick intro to the Mirage Pro by the manufacturer: If we compare portable induction cooktops (PICs) to cars, the Vollrath Mirage Pro 59500P is a Ferrari, while everything else (at least everything else in the 3 figures or less category) […]

The VacMaster VP112S Review: Is It as Great as Everyone Says It Is?

(​This article, VacMaster VP112S Review: Is It as Great as Everyone Says It Is?, was posted July 2017.)If you’re considering a home vacuum sealer, the VacMaster VP112S should be at the front of the pack. This 2 minute video explains why: If you don’t want to read the whole article, use these links to jump to a […]

How Much Should I Spend on a Vacuum Sealer? (You Might Be Surprised)

This article, How Much Should I Spend on a Vacuum Sealer? (You Might Be Surprised), was first posted July, 2017. Contents I Don’t Really NEED a Vacuum Sealer, Do I?​How Does a Vacuum Sealer Work?External SealersInternal Sealers​Chamber Vacs Vs. Edge SealersOkay, I Want a Vacuum Sealer. How Much Should I Spend?Think About How Much You SaveDon’t […]

The Best-Selling Range Hoods on Amazon (not just for Induction)

In the market for a range hood? Amazon is a great place to buy one. Here’s why:Best prices aroundFull warranty plus the option to purchase an Amazon extended warranty​Can purchase with or without installationFree shippingExcellent customer reviews to guide you to the right purchase.​And more. Here, I’ve put together a list of the best-selling range hoods […]

Range Hoods and Induction Cooking: What You Need to Know

Note: This article, Range Hoods and Induction Cooking: What You Need to Know, was first published in June 2017. It is a basic primer on range hoods, and most of the information is also applicable to non-induction cooking.If you don’t want to read the whole article, skip to the section you’re interested in: Table of […]

Is Induction Cooking Better than Gas (and if so, why)?

Is induction cooking better than gas?As with many things, it depends.I looooove induction cooking, and I’m thrilled that it’s starting to catch on in the U.S. And while it might not be for everybody, you should know what it is and have a good idea of its pros and cons if you’re in the market […]

Sous Vide Time and Temperature Tables for Proteins

The following sous vide time and temperature tables are adapted from the Modernist Cuisine Kitchen Manual.Here are a few general tips on cooking proteins sous vide:​​Add seasonings as desired and small amount of fat (butter, olive oil) to bags before cooking.Use small amounts of salt (if any) for long cooks (more than 12 hrs).Use probe thermometer […]

The Secret Shelf Life of Food: What Food Freshness Labels and Expiration Dates Really Mean

If you’re throwing away food just because of a date on the package, you’re probably throwing away too much food. Did you know:​That dates on food aren’t there for consumer safety?That food can be sold after its expiration date?That freshness dates are not required by law?That freshness labels differ from state to state?That the expiration […]

Bosch Induction Range Review: HIIP054U30-Inch Slide-in Induction Stove

​(This Bosch induction range review was last updated May, 2017.)Meet your new stove–the Bosch 30-inch slide-in induction range (model number HIIP054U): The Bosch 30-inch induction range (HIIP054U). If you’re looking for a top quality induction range, you can stop looking. If you’re looking for a full-featured oven, you can stop looking. And if you’re looking for […]

Is Sous Vide Cooking Safe?

Sous vide is becoming a more and more popular cooking method. Its reputation for making perfect steaks, meltingly tender pork butt, and juicy chicken breast has made millions of people eager to try it–and they haven’t been disappointed.  Sous vide has been used in restaurants and institutional settings for decades. Yet some people have misgivings […]

Induction Cooktop Pros and Cons

​Induction Cooktop Pros and Cons was last updated July, 2017.​In the market for a new cooktop or range? Here are some induction cooktop pros and cons for you to think about. The international symbol for induction. Induction cooktops are huge in Europe and the Far East. They aren’t as popular in the U.S.–at least not […]

How to Make a Grocery List

You may think you know how to make a grocery list, but I’ve got news for you: there’s probably room for improvement. Do you throw out food regularly? Do you have too many leftovers in your fridge that you’re sick of eating? Do you have too much fresh food but lack the pantry staples–like grains, […]

True Induction Cooktop Reviews: Best 2-Burner and 3-Burner Induction Cooktops

It seems like everybody is downsizing these days! If you want a full-use induction cooktop yet something smaller than full-sized, True Induction has a line of products that are probably perfect your needs. True Induction is a maker of high-quality induction burners best known for their 2 burner induction cooktops that plug into a standard, 120V wall outlet. […]