Product Reviews: Weider Multi Gym, Concept Rowing Machine, Shun Knife Set, Oster Blender, Lasko Humidifier

Weider Multi Gym: Lose The Weight

I’m on my second one, now. The newer versions have thicker board padding, better quality vinyl, and some improvements in the wielding. The corners of the board’s vinyl will eventually start splitting still, but some black tape can solve this. It doesn’t really alter its function if you just let it happen without taping. Every few years the Weider Multi Gym needs to be replaced as parts wear, but at these prices you could actually buy a new one each year and still be saving money compared to the competition. Certain parts will not wear, and you can take them off the old one and keep as spares considering how expensive buying each one is from Weider. Some caution is necessary on the single-pole stand.

Concept Rowing Machine: Cross Training

Whether you already row or are considering rowing as a way to keep in shape, cross train for another sport, or compete on the water, the Concept2 Model D indoor rowing machine is a terrific choice. Rowing offers several benefits over other exercises: it exercises your entire body, including the arms, legs, chest, back, and abs; its low-impact rhythm is easy on the knees and ankles; it burns a ton of calories because it uses so many muscle groups; and it relieves stress. The Concept Rowing Machine adds to these benefits by offering such features as a quiet flywheel that’s designed to minimize noise while providing the smooth feel of rowing on the water, along with a spiral damper that lets rowers choose the feel of a sleek, fast boat or a slow, heavy boat.

Schwinn Elliptical Trainer: Cardio King

Ideal for the home gym for fitness enthusiasts of any skill level, the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. Elliptical trainers emulate the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, making them much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use on Schwinn Elliptical Trainer will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health (and burning calories at the same time).

Shun Knife Set: Super Sharp

This ultra-efficient Shun Knife six-piece set includes the three blades a typical home chef uses most: an eight-inch chef’s knife for all-around kitchen work like mincing garlic and chopping vegetables, a parer for small-scale tasks like trimming and peeling, and a utility knife for slicing meats, sandwiches, and other sundries. Also included are shears for snipping herbs or opening packages, a bamboo block to store and protect knives, and a sharpening steel. Attractively packaged in a special gift box, this Shun Knife Set makes an unforgettable gift for newlyweds, budding chefs, or anyone who appreciates Shun kitchen tools as beautiful as they are functional and long-lasting.

Oster Beehive Blender: Chrome Fun

Powered by a 500-watt motor, this Oster Beehive classic blender blends margaritas and smoothies, mixes soups and sauces, chops fruits and vegetables, grinds coffee beans and nuts, grates cheese and coconut, and crushes ice. The Oster blender has a high speed and a low-speed pulse control, which can be held down for continuous action. Its 40-ounce, ribbed-and-tapered glass container fits onto Oster Beehive Blender distinctive beehive-shaped base, which is clad in lustrous chrome and outfitted with slip-proof rubber feet. Its stainless-steel blade-assembly removes for cleaning, and the container is calibrated in both ounces and liters.

Lasko Humidifier: No More Bad Nights

Indoor air can get especially dry in the winter months, especially with heating systems in full force. This three-speed recirculating Lasko humidifier makes it easy to maintain personal comfort levels in multiple rooms or large living areas up to 3200 square feet. Water continuously circulates through the Lasko unit, which not only keeps the filter moist for clean, long-lasting performance, but also for increased efficiency, using the entire filter surface for maximum, evaporative-moisture output. Continuous circulation also eliminates standing water, helps remove water contaminants, and won’t re-circulate airborne particles. A fan blows across the Lasko Humidifier moist filter, allowing water to evaporate and disperse throughout the room as cool, clean, invisible moisture, without white dust or over-humidification.

Product Reviews: Panasonice Inverter Microwave, BBQ Sauce, Merit Treadmill, Thermarest Pads, Camping Bed, Haan Steam Cleaner

Panasonic Inverter Microwave: Family Sized Microwave

With 1300 watts of power, this family-size countertop microwave oven provides an array of convenient features. The unit’s one-touch sensor cooking automatically adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times for cooking or reheating various food items. For defrosting foods even faster than with the auto-defrost feature, the microwave’s inverter turbo-defrost technology distributes microwave energy in a new and more efficient way, resulting in quicker, more thorough defrosting. A pulsing delivery of very low microwave power keeps the temperature of food at a constant level without overcooking in Panasonic Inverter Microwave. The improved keep-warm menu now includes five items, so foods like stew, gravy, and desserts can stay warm in the oven until they’re ready to be served. In addition, the microwave provides a spacious 1-1/5-cubic-foot epoxy interior with a 13-1/2-inch automatic turntable for even heating.

Best BBQ Sauce: Simly Natural Recipe

I’d recently asked some online friends in a food forum what they thought the best bottled barbecue or bbq sauce is. Four out of five of them mentioned "Bone Suckin". I was NOT disappointed! It is not a thick gloppy sauce clogged up with corn syrup as most of the supermarket brands (Hunts, Kraft, etc) are. The best BBQ sauce flavor is complex. It is not too sweet, not vinegary, and with just a modicum of spice heat to keep it interesting, and so it tastes like barbecue. I’ve even used it in kitchen cooking (as opposed to grilling) and people commented on the great taste. I bought it from Amazon, but Whole Foods also carries it.

Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill: True Fitness

Merit Fitness is part of Johnson Health Tech, one of the largest manufacturers of fitness equipment in the world. The company is committed to designing, engineering, and manufacturing superior products for health clubs and homes. Johnson’s manufacturing facilities rank among the most sophisticated in the industry, with an intricate mix of robotics and skilled workers that maintain the highest standards of accuracy and quality. Every stage of manufacturing undergoes a testing phase, and 10 percent of Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill products go through a rigorous quality inspection that includes completely taking them apart and reassembling them.

Thermarest Sleeping Pads: Camping In Style

Therm-a-Rest’s Trek & Travel mattresses keep you comfortable while giving you the versatility to go anywhere and do anything. Light enough for the trail yet comfortable enough for base camp, the mattresses are perfect for everyone from backpackers and globetrotters to paddlers and car campers. Hailing from the Trek & Travel series, the Trail Lite is designed for campers who want a comfortable, lightweight mattress but don’t want to spend too much. The Trail Lite’s time-tested design includes all the hallmark qualities of a Therm-a-Rest, including a durable Thermarest sleeping pads 150-denier polyester construction and a urethane foam fill, helping you get the rest you deserve. Plus, at just 1.5 inches thick, the Trail Lite rolls up small for easy carrying. The Trail Lite is an ideal choice for light backpackers, car campers, and travelers.

Camping Bed: Guests Will Thank You

Large enough to easily accommodate two adults (or four small children), this king-size Quick bed gets its name from Double-Lock valves that allow it to inflate 10 times quicker than air beds with pinch valves. And when morning rolls around you’ll find that, thanks to the Double-Lock valves, the air beds deflate 20 times faster as well. Keep one of these king-size flocked air beds around for camping trips, unexpected guests, or kids’ slumber parties (the mattress will accommodate fitted or flat king-size sheets). The heavy-duty PVC construction is designed to endure all sorts of abuse while the soft top adds warmth and softness for colder nights. The camping bed can hold up to 600 pounds. Its 56 coils and 6-inch side gussets provide support and, unless you sit down from a height, keep you from bumping the ground.

Haan Steam Cleaner: Sparkling Floors

The FS20 Plus comes with Haan’s sanitizing tray, which easily attaches to unit for sanitizing and refreshing carpeted areas. Used with the Floor Sanitizer, it kills dust mites and other allergens in a variety of soft surfaces. The Ready For Use Indicator on top of the large Hann Steamer cleaner easy-grip cap turns orange when the unit is ready to use, and indicator lights on the rear let you know when to refill the unit. Other Haan steam cleaner features include a locking, adjustable telescopic handle made of heavy gauge aluminum, power cord management system, and convenient storage hook for hanging.

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: 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.

Consumer Reports: Microwave Oven Ratings, Black Microwave Oven And Flexible Cutting Board

Microwave Oven Ratings: The Top Nuker

Because I have an existing trim kit, getting a particular microwave oven size is extremely important to me. Unfortunately, Sharp microwave keeps changing its models. Fortunately, this one not only fits perfectly, but it has more features than the last one. And, it is less expensive. And, it works faster. The good: fast, attractive, lots of features, big. The bad: nothing really, except my wife wishes the buttons were slightly larger. I think microwave oven ratings are needed to know what of the few products that get better and cost less with time. Highly recommended ratings.

The thermostat on my stove died with a lukewarm casserole in the oven and dinner guests arriving. I had to transfer the potatoes, chicken and cheese into two round baking dishes and then I cooked each for 8 minutes in my new Sharp microwave. My Chicken & Potato Mexican Casserole was perfect, my dinner party was saved and I love my Sharp Carousel Microwave! Also, this is my third microwave and the first one that makes a perfect bag of popcorn – no scorch and all the kernels popped. Everything about this purchase was exceptional rating- it even arrived a day early.

Black Microwave Oven: Full Sized East Meal Preparation

With a 1-3/5-cubic-foot capacity and 1250 watts of power, this full-sized black microwave oven provides quick and easy meal preparation. The black microwave automatic 15-inch turntable ensures even heating, while its one-touch sensor cooking adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times automatically, making reheating and cooking a variety of foods easier than ever. A pulsing delivery of very low microwave power keeps food temperature at a constant level — without overcooking; the improved keep-warm menu now includes five items, so foods like stew, gravy, and desserts remain warm in the black microwave oven until they’re ready to be served.

In addition, the black microwave’s menu-action screen adds to the overall convenience. It scrolls step-by-step cooking instructions across the display in English, Spanish, or French, while the function key simplifies the programming of 10 useful, non-cooking functions. Just press the function key and the menu-action screen will display the steps necessary to complete the desired function.

Flexible Cutting Board: Plastic Chopping Boards From France

This package of flexible plastic cutting boards from MIU France protects your countertop, simplifies food safety, and stores in any narrow slot of extra kitchen space. Though the flexible cutting board are flat, they have ample surface area and can be used on either side. MIU France recommends designating the colors according to food category to prevent cross-contamination–yellow for poultry, green for produce, and red for raw meat. Once food is chopped or diced, you can pick up the flexible cutting board, curl it to contain the pieces, and transfer them cleanly to bowls or pots. Safe in the dishwasher, each board measures 11 by 15 inches.

Color coded for different food groups to minimize cross-contamination and to protect countertops. Blue for fish, red for meats, yellow for poultry, green for vegetables and white for general purposes. The flexible boards curl easily to transfer chopped food directly into the bowl, pot or pan. Each board measures 15-inches by 11-inches. Top shelf, dishwasher safe.